Village Tribune 97 West

issue

97

west March / April 2016

MAKING A LANDSCAPE

PEGELAND St Pega's missing 'monastery'?

GLINTON TO HARLEY STREET ANOTHER TORPEL MYSTERY FRIENDS OF CHERNOBYL'S CHILDREN MUSTARD SEED PROJECT

DIARY DATES

TRIBLAND GARDEN • BOOK CLUB • SCHOOL REPORT • CHURCH SERVICES • RECIPE • FARMING DIARY

Serving the North Peterborough villages of 1

Ashton, Bainton, Barnack, Castor, Helpston, Pilsgate, Southorpe and Ufford villagetribune.org.uk

JT Fencing - Northborough All types of fencing supplied and fixed.

FREE estimates and advice.

T: 07711 726 834 (days) 01733 253 438 (evenings)

advertising

a smile

Time for

Size Required 1/6 Page 1/4 Page 1/3 Page Half Page Full Page

2

Single Edition £25 £45 £55 £75 £140

Both Editions £35 £60 £75 £95 £175

deadlines

Issue Date

Deadline

Distributed

98 99 100 101 102

15/04/16 17/06/16 12/08/16 14/10/16 18/12/16

30/04/16 2/07/16 27/08/16 29/10/16 2/1/17

May/June 16 Jul/Aug 16 Sept/Oct 16 Nov/Dec 16 Jan/Feb 17

An elderly vicar and his wife decided on an overseas holiday, but his wife was nervous as she had never flown before. The day arrived and as they entered the aeroplane, the pilot was standing beside the door welcoming the passengers. The vicar’s wife said to him, “I've never flown, so I hope you will bring us down safely.” The pilot replied, “I shall do what I can madam, but all I can say is that I've never left anyone up there yet!"

villagetribune.org.uk

contacts

i

March / April 2016

Editor

REGULARS

 Tony Henthorn 35 Maxey Road, Helpston PE6 7DP T: 07590 750128 E: villagetribuneeditor@mac.com

Barnack Editor

west

 Ian Burrows T: 01780 749554 ianberyl.burrows@btinternet.com

Priest in charge

 Dave Maylor The Rectory, Millstone Lane, Barnack PE9 3ET T: 01780 740234 E: dmaylor@btinternet.com

Distribution

ASHTON  Hilary Smith Thatched Cottage, Ashton E: hilly.smith@virgin.net

3 11 11 12 13 18 20 23 25 26-29 30 30 31 35 38 39

HELPSTON  Sue Young 1 Arborfield Close, Helpston PE6 7DL T: 01733 252223 PILSGATE  Ellie Gompertz Westways, Stamford Rd, Pilsgate

4,000 copies of the Tribune are distributed free of charge in Ashton, Bainton, Barnack, Helpston, Pilsgate, Southorpe and Ufford (the West edition) and Deeping Gate, Etton, Glinton, Northborough, Maxey and Peakirk(the East edition). Prices below show the cost of going in a single edition or both and are per insertion’. Advertisers booking, and paying for four insertions over the period of 12 months are entitled to 20% discount on these prices.

T: 01733 772095 www.dimension6000.com

Deadline for next issue: xxxxxx

SOUTHORPE  Daphne Williams The Old Dairy Barn, Main St. T: 01780 740511

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Tracy Bullen

Advertising Rates Tribune Contacts Book Club School Report Diary Dates Farming Diary In my Tribland Garden Restaurant Review Recipe from Chez Pierre Tight Lines Church Services Planning Applications Parish Council Local Contacts Directory

NEWS & FEATURES

BARNACK  George Burage Opposite Millstone, Barnack

UFFORD  Frieda Gosling 2 Hillside Close, Ufford PE9 3BW T: 01780 740343

2 3 9 10 15-17 22 47 32 33 37 56-57 58 60-61 63

40-41 42 45 46 49 50 51 52-53 54 55 56-57 58 59 60-61

Lifetime Award Jack's Journey Trumpeter Takes Post Barnack & Pilsgate News Helpston News On the Edge Another Torpel Mystery Anglo-French Association Mustard Seed Project Pegeland Thorpe Hall Hospice BBC Tour Citizens' Advice Become a Local Councillor New Tribland Wards Friends of Chernoboyl's Children Lolham Crossing Etton News Fly Tipping Heartfelt Appreciation Glinton to Harley Street Terry Sismore Award Rural Speedwatch Making A Landscape Gigaclear Housing Developments Nine Bridges Church Services Planning Applications We will never forget Parish Council news

The views expressed within this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor. All copy is believed correct at time of print but no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or ommissions. No part of this publication and/or website may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing. The Village Tribune own all rights to contributions, text and images, unless previously agreed to in writing.

villagetribune.org.uk

3

4

villagetribune.org.uk

villagetribune.org.uk

5

6

villagetribune.org.uk

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

for Peter Moyse

Peter Moyse from Helpston received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Peterborough’s Mayor on 24 February.

P

eter’s dedication in promoting the worth of Helpston’s famous nature poet, John Clare, through his stunning photographs and continuing work for the John Clare Society since its foundation in 1981 is well worth recognition.

Many of the postcards you see in the village shop feature photos taken by Peter. Peter has spent years putting newsletters in envelopes and posting them off to JC Society members. Whether in the background or to the fore, he is, and has been a vital member of the team that has been responsible for the inauguration of the John Clare Society and of the Annual Festival. He sees Clare as “a botanist, philosopher, writer and critic,” something that is not always appreciated.

As a souvenir of many pleasant walks in Brocket Park, the home of Lord Brocket, near Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, he embarked on a project to photograph some of the lovely old trees there. He called the project, ‘Trees Please’, fearing that in 50-100 years all but a few would be left. This led to an exhibition with literary quotations, one of which came from the work of John Clare. In the meantime he was persuaded by a friend to produce a similar exhibition concentrating on Flora Thompson’s famous book about her country childhood, ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’. Researching this work, together with his late wife, Mary, he was delighted to find many of the landmarks referred to in Flora’s book. The folio of prints were submitted to the Royal Photographic Society for evaluation and he was awarded an Associate Membership Distinction.

Describing his visits to the ‘Lark Rise’ village, Peter said: “I sat in the pew in the church with the door open and was immediately aware of the buzzing of bees on the lavender – exactly as Flora had said. The sky was deafening with skylarks. I found the stream and the school and cowslips growing where were so many years ago!” Asked if he thought that would still be the case, Peter was doubtful.

“I borrowed a copy of ‘Midsummer Cushions’ from the local library and kept on renewing it,” Peter said. Eventually (rather like Clare and his first book), he had saved up enough to buy a copy. Travelling up in their Hillman Super Minx from their Harpenden home, the couple took delight in discovering the village’s links to Clare. Spotting a notice on the church board regarding the formation of the JC Society, they felt they must attend. The Society grew as Peter bought some exhibition boards and put on a travelling exhibition of photographs with Clare quotes helping to make Clare a respected environmental poet at a national level.

Visitors said the photographs and writings should be in a book and sure enough, though not without perseverance, a book was published ‘The Poet & the Place’.

Sadly never reprinted there has been a copy reportedly on the internet priced at £200! A new book ‘Poet for All Seasons’ was launched in 2014, this time with full colour pictures. This volume, perhaps even more beautiful than the first, is still available at the John Clare Cottage, Woodgate, Helpston.

villagetribune.org.uk

Peter Moyse

Explaining his fondness for Clare, Peter explains that he was much more than a nature poet, and perceptive in his writings on politics and the poor. When you pass by his window to the local shop, stop to read the relevant verses for the month from ‘The Shepherd’s Calendar’, but also, in election time, look out for Clare’s writings on politicians. Peter believes that there is much more writing to be looked at and appreciated because of the feeling Clare had for the poor and those who were stressed. It would be useful to learn more about it.

Typically modest, Peter says of the award: “I feel very flattered. I don’t deserve it. I have had great support from the JC Society and all I’m trying to do is make people more aware of Clare. Peterborough claims to be an Environment City so it is fitting that a local writer of such importance should be promoted.”

Peter Moyse’s Lifetime Achievement Award is deserved.

We wish him well as he continues to promote his cause and we don’t doubt he will not waste an opportunity at the Mayor’s Parlour to have a word in the right places!

7

8

villagetribune.org.uk

By Willow Coby

12+

Book Club The Joy Luck Club

by Amy Tan

Growing up in a typical English town this novel made a huge impact on me when I first read it. The colourful characters seem such a world apart from what I was familiar with and yet it is a story about all of our lives and a woman’s relationship with her mother.

In 1949 four Chinese immigrant women in San Francisco agree to meet up each week to play mah-jong, calling themselves the Joy Luck Club.

Here they discuss the lives they left behind in China and the dreams and hopes they have for their daughters as they embark on their new lives in America.

Whilst not strictly speaking short stories, each chapter tells a different aspect of their lives.

The first half of the book tells of the lives of the women in the Joy Luck Club. We learn of their lives in China. An-Mei Hsu whose mother left her to become a concubine to a rich merchant and Lindo Jeng who was forced to marry someone she didn’t love.

We then learn of their daughters and their new lives growing up in America, in a culture that seems alien to the world their mothers are describing. Here lies the clash of cultures which leads to friction between mother and daughter.

The older generation feel as if they are losing their daughters

to American culture and the younger generation do not feel as if anything their mothers talk about is relevant to their lives.

Sound familiar? You don’t need to be a Chinese immigrant or growing up in America to relate to the universal themes that Tan weaves into her debut novel. It is about learning to understand the people that fill our lives and accepting that they only have our best interests at heart. It is about learning that our parents too are real people, arriving in the present through a series of events that have shaped them.

Emily Feather and the Enchanted Door

by Holly Webb

Have you ever felt as if you just don’t fit in? Where even your own family seems different to you? This is how ten-year-old Emily Feather feels. She looks different to her siblings with her dark hair. It is true that everyone looks a bit different (even her older twin sisters aren’t identical) but Emily just can’t shake the feeling that there is something about her that sets her apart from the rest of the family. Her best friend Rachel points out that she is the only one not named after a bird, but surely there is more to it than that?

villagetribune.org.uk

Emily lives in an unusual house.

Her dad, Ash, is an author, writing fantasy books. The house seems as if it could have come straight out of one of his books. Her room is in the old attic at the top of a rickety flight of stairs, with ornately carved mirrors on the landing.

Sometimes it even feels as if the walls have moved: but that would be silly as Emily knows that can’t happen.

One day she is passing one of the mirrors and sees a strange reflection in it. A girl with green skin is staring back at her and that is just the start of a series of events that will completely change Emily’s life. It turns out that she was right.

She IS different from the rest of her family, but not in any way she could have possibly imagined.

Holly Webb is better known for her novels books about animals and has written over 90 books for children. However this book, the first in a new magical series, shows that she is just as adept at writing about fantasy worlds.

Aimed at readers aged 8+ this is a lovely introduction to traditional fairy mythology. It does take a while to get going and the titular enchanted door doesn’t appear until the final quarter of the book. This is clearly intended to introduce the reader to Emily’s world which is then explored in future books.

9

REPORT John Clare News As many of you will have noticed, a mobile classroom was delivered over the Christmas holidays and is currently being commissioned. The children and teachers are very much looking forward to using the extra space as soon as possible.

All of the classes are enjoying a wide range of topics to help extend their learning. Buttercross class have been using Fairy tales to inspire them. Woodgate class are exploring plants and are also using and creating superheroes to inspire a range of work.

Broadwheel class are currently back in the stone age and will be moving through the Bronze age into the iron age. Torpel

class have turned their classroom into a rainforest. They are also learning about and writing biographies. This is all in addition to Maths, English, PE and a range of other subjects.

The children in years 2 and 4 are taking part in an exciting English project called “IMPACT in Writing. This has involved parents, teachers, teaching assistants and most importantly the children, who have been working hard to develop their recount writing skills.

Our Bronze sports ambassadors, Isabel and Eden represented the school at a conference at Ken Stimpson secondary school. The enjoyed the cake and sharing ideas with

other Bronze ambassadors from across Peterborough. They were given ideas to help celebrate the Rio Olympics this Summer. In the meantime they have helped to run and organise an inter-house chess tournament.

Torpel class recently spent an afternoon at AMVC playing table tennis against other local primary schools. They enjoyed learning lots of new skills.

Shrove Tuesday saw all the children and staff taking part in the annual pancake races. After their race the children enjoyed a pancake kindly provided and served by the friends. There are rumours of a parent’s race next year so plenty of time to practise your flipping skills!

COOLHEATING Heating & plumbing

ACS & CITB Mains & LPG GAS Prompt, reliable service 24 hr emergency response

NT CVillOagU S I D e Tribune 1whe0n% n tio you men

T: 01733 254 849 M: 07966 209568 10

villagetribune.org.uk

Please join us and support Jack on his journey. For more information visit : www.jacks-journey.com, Facebook : JacksJourney6, www.justgiving.com - jackrickar dsjourney.

Jack’s Journey Jack’s Journey is a local charity, supported by the Tree of Hope (registered charity 1149254). The charity has been set up to raise funds for local 6 year old boy Jack Rickard. Jack lives in Barnack and has cerebral palsy.

J

ack needs a life changing operation at Great Ormond Street. The procedure Jack needs is Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) which will remove the spasticity in his legs and enable Jack to continue to walk. The operation is not currently funded on the NHS so the family need to raise £60,000 for the operation and aftercare.

There are lots of local fundraisers planned, and forthcoming events include:

 TOY SALE, Barnack Village Hall, 9.30-12.00 on Saturday 27th February. Lots of new and brilliant quality toys, books, games and puzzles will be on sale. Homemade cakes and teas too. Bring a bag and bag a bargain!  WICKED WITCH, Ryhall, 16.00pm til late on Sunday 28 February. Free entry, live music and a band. Children welcome.

Food will be served for adults and children - £5 per head.

Grand raffle, with over 40 prizes including meal vouchers for The Mad Turk and The Olive Branch, and live auction with amazing lots including 4 x VIP tickets for a Manchester Utd match next season.  SKYDIVE at Sibson Airfield, Sunday 17th April. Tandem skydive from 12,000 feet – feel the exhilaration of freefall whilst raising money for Jack!

E:charity@ukparachuting.co.uk for details.

Barnack & District Branch Royal British Legion

Trumpeter takes post 14 year old Lawrence Hayes, a Year 9 pupil at Stamford School, receives his RBL tie and badge from Chairman Charles Clark upon his appointment as Branch Trumpeter at a ceremony held at ‘The White Hart Inn’, Ufford, last week. After the presentation, Lawrence entertained Branch members with a selection of Christmas Carols.

This cements the longstanding association with The Stamford

Endowed Schools Combined Cadet Force, which is officially affiliated to the Branch.

Lawrence has played Last Post and Reveille at Barnack’s commemoration of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day two years running and is now a junior member of the Legion, which also welcomes his parents, who have also recently joined.

villagetribune.org.uk

11

Barnack and Pilsgate News

Ian Burrows

As it is the New Year I am going to start with a rant from Barnack.

One of the items frequently raised at Parish Council Meetings is the problem of litter being left on the Hills and Holes. Sadly, it isn’t just the Hills and Holes which receive these libations of rubbish.

A quiet walk around the country lanes (now highways to anywhere!!) finds the hedgerows and grass verges sheltering pizza cases, cans of beer and other sugary drinks as well as paper cups, plastic water bottles and much more dubious litter besides.

In fact a walk of some three miles recently yielded two large bags full of other peoples discarded filth.

Evan more sadly this problem is not just confined to Barnack and Pilsgate but is found throughout Tribune Country and far beyond. Recently the fines for littering have become more

12

punitive, but it is hard to see how they will control the problem unless we are vigilant and report litter louts.

The planning Application to build some 80 houses on a green field site and outside the village envelope along the Uffington Road, is still under consideration.

The Parish Council are seeking an assurance from the City Council that the application, should it materialise, will be considered by the full Planning Committee.

Comments on this Application by the statutory consultants can be seen on the City Council website.

Just before Christmas the local M.P. Shailesh Vara visited the site and attended a public meeting in Barnack. He has now written a letter to the City Council fully supporting the views and objections to the

villagetribune.org.uk

development taking place as stated by the villagers. Although not connected, it seems that two other major changes to the shape of Tribune land are under consideration, mainly, both Werrington and Marholm could become urban extensions to the City.

In a survey by the Local Government Boundary Commission it has been proposed that the number of Peterborough Councillors be increased from 57 to 60. This would be achieved by merging Barnack, Werrington, Glinton and Northbourough into one ward served by three councillors. Barnack Parish Council has petitioned to retain the existing boundary for the Barnack Ward served by one Councillor.

Helpston News

Kate Hinchliff.

Cooking on gas!

“We’re cooking on gas!” – that’s how Stephen Jackson is enthusing over the preparations for this year’s Helpston Gala (Saturday 11 June and Open Gardens 12 June).

With a keen band of planners, he is certain that visitors will be delighted with what’s on offer – both new attractions and

much-loved, traditional games.

Stephen has been and continues to be a key figure in all things connected to the Gala.

“We have a Playbus and a Bouncy Castle coming for the young ones,” he said, “along with a great barbeque, dog show and stalls.”

Proceeds of the Gala for Village charities and organisations Helpston Village organisations are invited to ask for a share of the profits from this year's Gala Rev Dave Maylor has told the Tribune: “We are aware that there are lots of good causes within the village and we know of some better than others. Rather than spread the cash thinly between

them all, we thought it best to give each one an opportunity to state their case. We therefore invite Village organisations and charities to write a short supporting letter to the Gala Committee, emailing it to me, Revd Dave Maylor, at dmaylor@btinternet.com or sending it to: The Rectory, Millstone Lane Barnack PE9 3ET by 29 April 2016

Stephen Jackson Decisions about the allocation of funds will be done by the Gala Committee before the Gala.

In order that the amounts of money given to each organisation is worthwhile, the Gala Committee may need to restrict the number of allocations this year.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Helpston WI members and friends gather for a Thursday morning local walk. Anyone who would like to join us just turn up by the shop at 9 am.

Helpston needs your gardens Sunday 12 June 2016 If you are interested in opening your garden or for more info please email me on tammy.tushingham@btinternet.com or call me on 07734544578 by 12 March 2016

Open all year, inspections always welcome ● ● ● ●

Vaccinated cats only Cats on special diets and medications welcome Rabbits and guinea pigs also boarded Collections & delivery service available Spacious individually heated chalets to suit all ages from active youngsters to golden oldies

Tel: 01733 575300 1346 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6LP

www.homefromhomecattery.co.uk

villagetribune.org.uk

13

14

villagetribune.org.uk

diar� dates A Colourful Quiz

Friday 22 April - 7.30 pm Northborough Village Hall Quizmaster Peter Kemp.

Teams of 4 please! £5 per person to include light supper, but bring your own drinks.

Proceeds to St. Andrew's Church.

Call Polly to book a table: 01778 380849 (Polly Beasley)

Northborough Open Gardens 19 June 1-5 pm Tickets will be £4 each with children under 16 FREE Tickets/brochures available from Gill Hazlerigg in Northborough T: 01733 252938 or on the day from St Andrew’s Church

notices

St. Benedict's 100 Club Winners February 175 Mrs. Jenny Johnson 132 Mr. John Holdich 159 Mr. Mick Brabbins

The Search for Happiness mind, Happiness is something we create in our m find. seldo so and for h searc we thing some Not ... day the ning It’s just waking up and begin . pray to ting wan and ings bless By counting our t nten disco breed that ghts thou up g It’s givin en-sent.

And accepting what comes as a gift heav not have we s thing for ing It’s giving up wish got. e we’v tever wha of best the ing And mak

more diar� dates overleaf >> west

villagetribune.org.uk

15

diar� dates

John Clare Cottage, Helpston

Art workshops A series of art workshops have been arranged starting with a workshop at 2pm with artist Heather Mizen

The workshops will provide you with an opportunity to work in the Cottage and the gardens for inspiration, you can use any medium.

Sat 12 March Silk painting If you have your own materials Tickets £40 including refreshments Members and potential please bring them along, if our AGM and materials. members are invited to not Sally will help you. Places Hall. This age Vill Further workshops will be led by on 8 March in the are limited and tickets are £45 d your nee we and b the artist Sally Hammerton, these clu r you is including refreshments and a light re. futu ng stro a e full day art classes will be based on input to giv lunch. different themes: 8 Mar Wed 6 April Wed 4 May Wed 8 June Wed 13 July

Gardens, Flowers, Plants, Shrubs & Trees Still Life Buildings Realistic Abstract

Acoustic music sessions

John Clare Cottage hosted an excellent night with the Lighter Shade of Blue which is the group led by Rev Dave Maylor. They played a selection of traditional blues and gospel music to a packed house in the Café.

For music lovers the monthly Acoustic Café sessions will continue, please see website for the next date.

There will also be a Jazz evening with Sara Hawkes accompanied by Ivan Garford making a repeat visit to the Cottage.

Fri 1 April Jazz Evening Tickets £5 from the Cottage.

There will be a licenced bar.

If you need further information please contact John Clare Cottage T: 01733 253330 Other events will be posted on the website as and when they have been confirmed. www.clarecottage.org.

16

villagetribune.org.uk

The tennis season

ch

Helpston Tennis Club (yes, we do have courts in Helpston), it is time to start thinking about the new season and dusting of the rackets as we traditionally open the First bank Holiday weekend in May. All current members will get renewal forms by email, all others please drop an email to Michaela.

Williams@web.de or a text 07803265166 As the committee debates and plans for next season, we want to remind you that we will need your effort. There will be several posts available so you can make a difference to your local club.

We are looking for someone to co-ordinate our court maintenance with the maintenance team. We are looking for volunteers to help with some of the preseason work, putting up nets, rolling the court etc. We are also looking for someone to help with publicity and communications We are planning to run children’s coaching session again in the summer, There has been some interest in ladies coaching or general club coaching.

Last year’s tournaments and BBQs were a great success and produced some new winners. We are looking forward to another great summer season and are hoping you will join us.

Christian Aid Week John Tanner

Sunday 13 March NFU Lambing Day Manor Farm, M orborne Come and see one of the biggest lambing days in the East of England. It is a great family day out to see a working farm where you can see lambs being born, hold new born chicks, ride on a horse and cart and climb on the tractors, family stalls and much more.

The Anna’s Hope Fairies will be there too and proceeds will go to charity.

Time: 11-am 4pm Pay on the gate. Adults £5 and children under 16 free For more information: E: admin@annashope.co.uk T: 01780 740492

15 -21 MAY

The main feature of Christian Aid Week is a door to door collection involving envelopes.These envelopes are deposited through letter boxes and collected later, hopefully (and usually) containing a donation. This process requires a small army of collectors; in total something like 100,000, throughout the country.

At the present time the Benefice is woefully short of collectors, so more volunteers are needed. It’s a pleasant task carried out in Spring

diar� dates

sunshine. May I appeal to anyone who feels in the their heart that they would like join our team, to take a deep breath and come forward, if only to learn more.

It is worth bearing in mind that this is not just a matter of raising woney. The exercise is also a means of mission, bringing to a wider public the Church’s role in contributing to good works throughout the world.

In one version of the Holy Communion service we offer ourselves to be a living sacrifice.

This is one way to do just that.

If you feel even mildly tempted, please contact our vicar, Rev Dave Maylor, on 01780 740234 or dmaylor@btinternet.com

The Glinton Horticultural Society 18 March

Presentation: 'Hardy exotics and creating microclimates' by Colin Ward from Swines Nursery, in the Glinton Village Hall. 7.30pm

15 April

Presentation: 'Edible landscaping' by Clive Simms, in the Glinton Village Hall 7.30pm

30 April

Plant sale in the Glinton Village Hall Early queuing advised 10.00am

St. Pega's Church 9 March

Lent Lunch 12 noon to 2.00pm

at 3 The Park, Peakirk £5 per person To help with catering, please confirm your attendance.

T: Sheila on 01733 252416 E: Sheila.lever@btinternet.com

St. Andrew's Northborough Frii 25

March Good Friday Workshop 2.30 - 4pm Craft activities, Easter Garden, All-age Worship and of course hot cross buns! All welcome.

T: 01778 380849 polly.beasley@btinternet.com

villagetribune.org.uk

17

On the

edge

Bytes and Bites

MORE INFO: Tracy 07720 327145 Lorraine (our President) 01733 254865

W

ith the winter period traditionally being a particularly challenging month for some, we invited Emily Gray, Chief Executive Officer for Peterborough and Fenland Mind as our speaker for our January meeting. Emily facilitated a lively and fascinating debate about mindfulness, wellness and mental health issues. As something that affects so many it was fantastic to have an open discussion, raise awareness and have many questions answered.

February saw a change to our programme and had us delving into the murky depths of social media as Matthew Beckett guided us around how to use it, its pros and cons and myths and mysteries. It was an informative and interactive evening and helped us learn how to Facebook and tweet with the best of them.

In addition to our regular monthly meetings, we took part in an Indian Cookery class. Pilau rice, chicken curry and cauliflower curry were on the menu as demonstrated by

teacher Veronica. We then all had the opportunity to practice our pastry origami and make some samosas with great success. They were delicious.

Our knitting group, Knitty Gritty has completed our initial project to make dressing gowns for the charity Knit for Peace. With many of us being new to knitting and crochet, we made squares which were sewn into four complete dressing gowns and sent off to the charity. We are now keen to start our next endeavor.

Our meeting in March will welcome Susan Wilkins who will talk to us about Psych-K which introduces a set of simple, self-empowering techniques to change your beliefs and perceptions that impact your life in a negative way. March will also see the debut of our walking group which will be regularly out and about in the area over the summer months.

Emma Sanders from Magpas will be joining us in April and will be talking about the charity and how it provides pre-hospital critical care and retrieval in East Anglia.

We are a friendly, youngish group and happy to welcome any ladies who would like to come and see what we do. The On the Edge WI meet in the Packhorse in Northborough from 7pm on the third Monday of the month.

20% OFF selected fabrics Feb 2016

INTERIORS

Fabrics • Curtains • Blinds • Poles Home visits for your design consultation

Blenheim Way, Market Deeping PE6 8LD t 01778 345777 e info@creativetouchinteriors.co.uk www.creativetouchinteriors.co.uk 18

villagetribune.org.uk

Good food, real ales, great entertainment March Sunday 6 March Mother’s Day Treat Our Sunday roast is as good as ever! Gastropub classics also available

Thurs 17 March - (St Patrick’s Day) The Shades of Green The band strike up again for the craic, with Irish classics and other popular tunes.

PLUS ...Home-made Irish stew on the house!

25 March (Good Friday) to Sunday 27 March Easter specials & Easter Sunday roast Easter is early! Book now!

28 March Bank Holiday - (Easter Monday) Live music at 3pm. Bar and restaurant open all day!

April & Spring Bank Holiday Saturday 23 April - (St George’s Day) Classic English dishes served and regional real ales abound!

Friday 29 April – Mon 2 May Annual Spring Bank Holiday Beerfest Many local and regional real ales, BBQ & live music.

Monday 2 May

BANK HOLIDAY FUN The One Eyed Cats (2.30pm) • BBQ • Discounted real ales • Bouncy castle and more!

CAMRA accredited GOOD BEER GUIDE 2016

T: 01733 252 387 E: info@thegoldenpheasant.net www.thegoldenpheasant.net

The Golden Pheasant,1 Main villagetribune.org.uk Road, Etton, Peterborough PE7 1DB19

another

TORPEL mystery

At the annual Torpel public meeting on 12 December, Dr Steve Ashby, leader of the team of York University archaeologists who have been investigating evidence on Torpel Manor Field for the past four years, summarised their findings so far.

S

outh east of the pylon their most recent geophysical survey revealed a circular walled structure with a diameter of about 10 metres. There is no obvious evidence above the ground and it was not apparent on previous surveys.

Several possible uses have been considered. Was it the site of a windmill? This is unlikely because the manor was served by the water mill at Lolham and there are no documentary references to a windmill on the Field. Was it a dovecote? Dovecotes were the medieval equivalent to battery hen rearing and were very common, most local dovecotes were square or oblong and usually only half the size of this building. Was it a rabbit warren?

We know that there were warrens elsewhere on the manor at Ufford and Upton, and they were not bounded by stone walls. Was it a 20

threshing floor? Possibly, as it was close to the old stone barn and threshing was done with a flail.

This was two sticks held together by a leather strap. One stick was held in the hands and the other was beaten against the ears of corn, knocking out the grain.

A breakthrough came when one of the Torpel volunteers was studying an old book about Northamptonshire and came across the following description: "At Torpwell in the parish of Ashton was discovered a circular hollow space, having the sides walled up with stone, which from is shape, ashes and iron slag strewed near, and other circumstances, was probably an iron furnace in the time of the Romans."

Source: Topographical and Historical Description of the County of Northamptonshire, John Britton & E W Bailey, written about 1830

villagetribune.org.uk

Iron working and smelting were common in the Nene valley close to sources of iron and wood.

There were, for example, furnaces at Longthorpe, Sacrewell, Water Newton and Harringworth, also at Barnack and Maxey. But there are no documentary references to iron smelting or wages paid to iron workers or smiths at Torpel .

They used iron on the manor but it appears that it was bought in from somewhere Steel and iron for work on 2 ploughs and shoes for forequarters of 4 draft animals 15s 0d Shoeing 2 other draft animals 2s 3 1/2d Shoeing hindquarters of another draft animal 5 1/2d Making 3 new ploughs 7 1/2d Purchase of 1 key to park gate 2d Source: Accounts of Godfrey of Crowland, Abbot of Peterborough in 1300 Sandra Raban It is also unlikely that they would have built an iron furnace so close to the Torpel settlement.

Perhaps the furnace predated the Norman manor? Nineteenth century authors were inclined to describe any pre-Tudor remains as "Roman", but Roman smelting furnaces were small from 30cm to 2 metres in diameter.

So, the jury is still out! Maybe you have some suggestions?

Frieda Gosling

villagetribune.org.uk

21

Agriculture is not the only business being affected by the downturn – I think whatever business you are in it’s not escaping the current situation of low returns, but there may be a few exceptions.

Rosemary’s

Farming Diary

A

s I write these notes in the first week of February, spring is just round the corner and with the day light hours lengthening each day it’s not quite such a rush to beat the darkness before outside jobs are finished for the day but with the amount of rainfall in December and January it has made any field operations difficult, we have taken advantage of the odd day when ground conditions allowed.

The high volume of rainfall and mild weather with very little cold has left cereal crops coming out of winter with considerable problems, what we call in farming terms (“dirty”) and generally in need of fungicide treatment. This also applies to the oil seed rape crop.

As we are fast approaching the middle of February the farming industry are hoping to see some respite from the relentless wet weather; it is in the next few weeks farmers like to get started on the spring sowing, as soon as ground conditions allow.

Livestock farmers with sheep also like to be able to turn out the new born lambs onto grass.

For those of us that have had a lifetime of living in the country this is the most exciting time of 22

year, when plant life is emerging from winter dormancy period springing into life with bulbs, shrubs etc. showing off their full flowering potential. Likewise the arable fields are beginning to move forward with the different crops which are being grown, most of the bare fields in this area will be sown with I expect spring barley, sugar beet and potatoes, maybe one or two other crops that suits the land. All growing crops have had compound fertilizer (Phosphate Potash) applied during the winter and will soon have some nitrogen to boost plant growth which is given at different growth stages, again depending on the temperature.

The weather does play a major role in our everyday life on the farm, as does the political arena… enough said on that one.

Farming at the present time is rather a labour of love with commodity prices only going one way, it’s a gamble. We are sowing crops from August through to the next spring not knowing what the market will be in July onwards, predicting cash flows for example being very difficult, this has a knock on effect for all associated suppliers to our industry. Agriculture is not the

villagetribune.org.uk

only business being affected by the downturn – I think whatever business you are in it’s not escaping the current situation of low returns, but there may be a few exceptions.

The mild weather has made life easier to travel and the saving on winter fuel has been very welcome.

In the third week of February 1979 the country was brought to a standstill with snowdrifts and vehicles getting stuck, the service bus got stuck at Helpston level crossing (outside The Tavern) for 4-5 days, blocking the road.

Supplies in the village shop either ran out or were very low; I remember taking eggs by tractor to Helpston and Maxey shops…. so we are not out of the woods yet if we assume winter has finished?

The small birds are busy in the garden and appreciate the extra food to get them though the winter. I haven’t seen our usual larger visitors ie. the pheasants, partridges and we always have some hares come up to the house early morning. I think when I hear the dawn chorus spring will have surely arrived and the countryside will be alive of activity once more.

Peterborough Anglo-French Association Thank you friends and members for coming to this year’s AGM; it has been a brilliant year for the PAFA and we have had tremendous support from members at meetings and other social events.

T

he social year started off in January with a talk about ‘her region’ of France by Kate Duckworth. That put an idea into our heads and we carried it through to other meetings.

February was, as usual the AGM and it was well attended. A new committee was formed and it was business as usual.

March was Pot Pourri evening and if I remember correctly there was a talk by me and some Absinthe tasting involved.

As this is a French Association we have to have wine tasting occasionally and Tony Elliott did us proud in April with a wine talk and tasting. Alsace Part 1.

In May, Sheila gave us an insight in Josephine Baker who was American but had a very special place in her heart for and lived in France. We also listened to some of Jospehine’s music. It was a well attended meeting and was very well presented.

June saw us with our annual walk and despite being poorly, Jean Matthews came up trumps and escorted us through Warmington and thereabouts.

For our July BBQ we all were dreading trying to eat under a thunderous sky in a downpour.

I could hardly see my way on the A1 for the rain and spray but miraculously at 2pm, the due start time, the sun appeared and we all sat outside.

Some of us (me) got a damp bum but the cooking by Tony and Ann Elliott was worth every damp patch on the seats. Thank you!

Date 20 January 17 February 16 March 20 April 18 May 20 June 17 July (Sunday) 17 August 21 September 19 October 16 November 21 December

Secretary’s Report 2015-2016

Event Our Region of France AGM Wines of Alsace Pt2 The Huguenot Connection to the Fens Cyrano de Bergerac to name but one!

Local walk & meal.

Starting at The Ramblewood Inn Bastille BBQ Buckden Price and date TBC Picnic in the Park. Time & venue TBC Napoléon French Chocolate Pre Christmas Quiz and Fish & Chips Supper Christmas Food & Music

The August meeting made way for our visit to Bourges. This was excellent with a visit to Guédelon; the medieval château being constructed in the manner and with the tools and materials that would have been available at the period. More details of the Bourges visits are available if you would like them. Have a chat with me.

September saw us having a social evening with a presentation (less sound!) of the Bourges trip. It was lovely to just have a glass of wine and a chat.

October took us on a trip in the Rhône Valley on a boat with the two Tonys and spouses. We had a glimpse of life on board (lots of eating and drinking!) and the sights they saw on the trip.

Person responsible Dave & Jane Pennell Committee Tony Elliott Margaret Fletcher Jackie Jean Matthews

Ann & Tony Elliott Committee Ann Hooker Guest speaker TBC Jackie Committee

November’s pre-Christmas quiz and fish and chip supper was a success and we will be doing it again this year.

Finally the year ended in December with our Christmas Buffet and live music. Steve Ambler entertained us all evening with French themed music and the donations of food for the buffet table were abundant.

Added to all these wonderful events that took place in 2015 were a fundraising coffee morning put on by Sheila which raised £87 and the PARCS social evenings that are for fun and not fundraising events.

Again, thank you everyone for your support througout the year, your attendance, raffle prizes and ticket purchases. Happy 2016!

We always try to keep to our programme but sometimes there are changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Please support us with your attendance at the monthly meetings as this is our only method of fundraising for future twinning events. The more funds we can raise now the better our options for our visits. Thank you for your continued support!PARCS events to be sent separately when they are booked

villagetribune.org.uk

23

24

villagetribune.org.uk

See how people like you are helping Mustard Seed to grow by visiting:www.mustardseedproject.co.uk

Some years ago one of the Miche Bora Primary School parents died because she could not afford to visit a clinic for antibiotics.

We are pleased to say that should never happen again because we now have a beautiful clinic of our own!

I

t’s been a long time coming but what a difference it will make.

Sonal Lakhani was one of the people who helped to make this happen – you may remember, from the previous VT issue, that she climbed Kilimajaro to raise funds for us after finding out about our project online. She was so happy to be able to meet the Mgongeni community last October and to see first-hand what a difference her efforts will make.

We have also received a large donation from a charitable trust, and from Market Deeping Rotary Club, to enable us to

complete phase two of our new school building; including the pillars, the first-floor slab, an office, a staffroom, a septic tank and soak-away. No pictures of the completed rooms are available yet so we can't wait to go out to see it during our next visit.

We suffered a disappointment last year when two of our excellent teachers went for jobs in a government school. We could not blame them, as the government pays higher salaries than we could afford, however we were so delighted when they contacted us recently. Leah said, 'I have 109 children in my class and by the end of the day my voice has completely gone. The children at the back of the class do not listen to anything I say. I have spent a huge amount on throat tablets.

Please can I come back?'

Mwanajuma (pictured) told a similar story. We know our school is making a difference to the opportunities for these poor children but it is so great to have it confirmed. How can anyone learn in those circumstances?

We are so privileged to be able to do this work. The rewards are great. Of course we have anxieties too, like the annual worry we shall soon have that we shall be able to continue to fund the feeding programme upon which these children rely, and whether the next part of the building will be funded in time for the following year’s intake. Then a donation arrives and we are elated. We just want to say a big thank you to everyone who supports us – with whatever you have given. No donation is too small to make a difference.

PS. We must apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced by the late cancellation of the MSP concert planned for 16 January. We were extremely disappointed by the decision but it was not ours, and there was nothing we could do to stop it.

villagetribune.org.uk

25

Crowland Abbey

(R. Farren, 1888)

by Dr Avril Lumley Prior

PEGELAND St Pega’s missing ‘monastery’?

‘Remembrances’ of St Pega In 1016, ‘the ‘New Minster at Pegecyrcan’ received a charter from King Eadmund Ironside, debatably containing our earliest written record of Peakirk [meaning ‘Pega’s church’], a Scandinavian corruption of a pre-existing Old-English placename. Unquestionably founded and funded in 1014/5 by King Æthelræd II’s thegn, Sigeferth of the ‘Seven Boroughs’, the ‘New Minster’ was first consecrated in the honour of the Holy Trinity the Virgin Mary and All Hallows. It appears to have formed part of a college for priests whose duties were to pray for their patron and offer pastoral care to the residents of Peakirk and neighbouring settlements.

These were troubled times and, in 1015, Sigeferth was assassinated by a rival Mercian war-lord, Eadric Streona. King Æthelræd promptly seized Sigeferth’s lands to prevent Eadric gaining control of them, whilst his son, Eadmund Ironside, married Sigeferth’s his widow, Ealdgyth. After Æthelræd’s death in 1016, Eadmund endowed the church with estates in Peakirk and Walton [Peterborough], the profits from which would finance ‘chantry’ priests to continue to chant masses for Eadmund’s, Ealdgyth’s and Sigeferth’s souls (Trib. 96). It was not until after the Dissolution of Monasteries by Henry VIII, in 1539, that Peakirk church was 26

rededicated in the honour of St Pega [pronounced ‘Pey-a’], an anchoress (died 719) who reputedly built her cell on the site of the present ‘Peakirk Hermitage’, approximately 300 metres eastnorth-east of the church.

In the past, it was understood that Pega’s eighth-century anchorage evolved into the late tenth-century ‘Pegelandæ Cœnobium’ [‘Pega’s Land Monastery’ or ‘Pegeland’]. Yet, ‘remembrances’ of Pega also lingered at Crowland from the eighth-century until the present day. It is there (instead of Peakirk) that I now propose that the socalled ‘Pegeland Monastery’ was located.

St Pega’s ‘sacred sites’ Sadly, we know more about the places where Pega lived than we do about her early life. This is because she is eclipsed by her more-illustrious brother, Guthlac (died 714), who according to Felix, his biographer, set up home in a Bronze-Age barrow or RomanoBritish ‘cistern’ on the edge of the Crowland peninsula, overlooking the undrained, mosquito-infested Fens. In fact, Felix deemed Pega worthy of just a cameo role in the closing chapters of his mid eighth-century work. However, from Guthlac’s pedigree, we can deduce that Pega was the daughter of Penwalh, a Mercian aristocrat, and his wife, Tette.

villagetribune.org.uk

Whilst Felix describes her as ‘the holy virgin of Christ’, there is no record of her taking formal religious vows, though it is feasible that she studied with Guthlac at the ‘double monastery’ of Repton [Derbyshire]. We are told only that Guthlac had decided ‘to avoid her presence’ during his lifetime and that his disciples ferried her by boat to Crowland so that she could organise his burial in his oratory chapel, heal a blind man with salt blessed by Guthlac and, a year later, exhume his undecayed body for reburial in a marble tomb.

St Pega’s graveside vigil would not have been a lonely one.

Felix informs us that Crowland was awash with hermits, namely Tatwine (Guthlac’s guide and boatman), Beccel (his servant), Cissa (Felix’s informant, who eventually inherited Guthlac’s cell) and Ecgberht (his confessor).

Therefore, it is logical that Pega requisitioned Guthlac’s nowvacant anchorage, which would have stood near his mortuarychapel.

After dutifully fulfilling her Crowland obligations Felix makes Pega vanish into the ether, forcing us to turn to post-Conquest sources to plot her career. The fourteenth-century false Crowlandchronicler, pseudo-Ingulph, tells us that she returned to her former hermitage ‘four leagues to the west’ [presumably Peakirk]. There,

PEGELAND St Pega’s missing ‘monastery’? she remained for exactly two years and three months before embarking upon a pilgrimage to Rome, a perilous undertaking for a lone and unworldly woman. Upon her arrival, all the church bells apparently rang out in recognition of her sanctity. Pseudo-Ingulph’s

us where ‘Pegeland Monastery’ was situated.

Pseudo-Ingulph is more precise. Once again embellishing Orderic’s story, he claims that once Crowland Abbey was established

by Archbishop Dunstan of Canterbury [c.971] and the king’s

Pega is summoned to Crowland and reburies Guthlac in his tomb (Guthlac Roll) (Birch, 1881) source, The Ecclesiastical History of the more-reputable AngloNorman historian, Orderic Vitalis (1075-c.1142), simply states that Pega went to Rome as a penance, died there on 8 January 719 and was buried in a church erected in her memory. The church, if it ever existed, is said to have collapsed through neglect in the seventeenth-century ‘with the loss of all her relics’.

‘Pegeland Monastery’ Orderic was the first historian to introduce the concept of ‘Pegeland Monastery’. Also writing at Crowland at the behest of Abbot Geoffrey (1109-24) and relying upon data supplied by Felix’s text and ‘senior’ monks, Orderic reveals that ‘Pegeland’ was founded in the place where ‘the holy Pega, sister of St. Guthlac, had served God for many years’. It continued to flourish until the death of Abbot Briehtmer of Crowland (1048), after which Abbot Wulfgeat of ‘Pegeland’ successfully petitioned Eadward the Confessor (1042-66) to amalgamate the two communities.

Tantalisingly, Orderic does not tell

former chancellor, Turketyl, made abbot, many pious monks and secular priests rushed to enlist.

Turketyl immediately welcomed the fully-fledged brethren into the cloister. In contrast, fearing that the secular priests (who had not taken the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience) could be a bad influence, he lodged them ‘on the eastern side of the Abbey in the cell of St Pega’, later called ‘Pegeland’. There, Abbot Turketyl erected a chapel for them, ordered them to wear monks’ habits and observe the Benedictine Rule.

Pseudo-Ingulph asserts that they were so devout that, by 975, most had become monks of Crowland, leaving ‘Pegeland’ devoid of priests to perform Masses, so the few remaining clerics petitioned Turketyl to provide one. They also demanded that all new recruits receive religious instruction at ‘Pegeland’ (not Crowland) and for the community to have the right to decide when a probationer was ready to take his vows. Turketyl granted their request for a priest ‘in memory of St Pega’ to lead

villagetribune.org.uk

services and pray for the abbey’s founders and benefactors but refused to despatch any novices, fearing that ‘Pegeland’ may one day rival Crowland. Instead, he sent the clerics child-oblates (boys who were training as monks) to be taught only to read and write. Turketyl monitored their progress with daily visits, which indicates ‘Pegeland’s’ proximity to the abbey. But this was hardly a monastery in the strictest sense, merely a preparatory school for youngsters destined for the Church. After this, pseudoIngulph says little about ‘Pegeland’ until its merger with Crowland in 1048.

A case of mistaken identity?

For centuries, eminent historians and antiquarians, including John Leland (c.1503-52), John Bridges (1666-1724), William Stukeley (1687-1765) and even Maxey’s Reverend Sweeting (1839-1913) misinterpreted Orderic Vitalis’ ‘Pegeland Monastery’ at Crowland as ‘Peakirk [Pegecyrcan] Monastery’, by failing to distinguish between the Old-English suffix ‘land’ and the Scandinavian ‘cyrice’ [‘kirk’ or ‘church’]. Thus, they unwittingly seduced subsequent students (me included) into believing that ‘Pegeland’ was an ancestor of the present ‘Peakirk Hermitage’.

Of course, ‘Pegeland’ may have relocated to Peakirk after Turketyl’s death. However, my recent research has led me to suspect that both Pega’s cell and Turketyl’s foundation occupied a site in Anchor-Church Field, 500 metres east-north-east of the Crowland Abbey church and next to the modern B1166 (opposite the garden centre).

What, then, is the evidence that ‘Pegelandæ Cœnobium’ was there rather than Peakirk? Firstly, a somewhat-scathing report sent to the abbot of Crowland by Bishop Gray of Lincoln after his >> 27

PEGELAND St Pega’s missing ‘monastery’?

The site of ‘Pegelandæ Cœnobium’ at Crowland? >> 1434 Visitation strongly indicates a Crowland setting. The document explicitly refers to the chapels of ‘St Martin and St Pega of Paylond [‘Pegeland’] in your precinct’, ordering Abbot Henry of Casewick to supply priests for them or be fined 40 pence. Bishop Gray’s injunction clearly was ignored, for in 1440 his successor, Bishop Alnwick, complained that ‘the Chantry which is called Peylonde [Pegeland] is left unreserved’ and that Brother John of Wysbeche feared for the spiritual welfare ‘of they who dwell thereabout’.

Pseudo-Ingulph’s anonymous, but contemporary, continuer states that it was not until John became abbot of Crowland, in 1470, that he had the opportunity to restore ‘the chapel of Saint Pega, commonly called Saint Pega of Payland’, which ‘had been for many years levelled with the ground’. Hence, we reluctantly must dismiss the former ‘Peakirk Hermitage’ chapel as a candidate for ‘Pegeland’ on the grounds that it was built or rebuilt c.1250 in St Bartholomew’s (not Pega’s) honour, and retains its original thirteenth-century chancel, thereby predating Abbot John’s restored ‘Paylond’ chapel by two centuries.

The ‘Chapel of St Pega of Paylond’ obviously fell into disuse again, for it is not mentioned in Henry VIII’s 1535 survey of monasteries and their assets, prior to their dissolution. It also is 28

absent from Edward VI’s inventory of chantry chapels, compiled to facilitate their suppression in 1547. Some time after Crowland Abbey was dissolved, the chapel was converted into a private dwelling, the evocatively-named the ‘Anchor-Church’ or ‘Anchorite House’. It attracted the attention of Reverend William Stukeley, vicar of All Saints’ Stamford, who was convinced that Guthlac/Pega’s cell was embedded within its walls,

Turketyl’s tenth-century seminary, ‘Pegelandæ Cœnobium’, were about to be destroyed. He had the foresight to take notes and make a floor-plan, whilst the Reverend Canon Edward Moore of Spalding published an account of what he regarded as a wanton ‘act of vandalism’. Although Stukeley, Canham and Moore misidentified the archaeological remains, their records are vital for piecing together ‘Pegeland’s’ history.

Moreover, aerial photographs taken in 1969 reveal cropmarks in Anchor-Church Field that neatly correspond with Stukeley’s sketch and Canham’s plan. Their presence instigated a geophysical survey and fieldwalking programme, culminating in an excavation by Tom Lane and Paul Cope-Faulkner on behalf of English Heritage, in 2004. Finds included Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze-Age worked flint, tesseræ from a mosaic floor and fragments of roof-tiles (possibly from a Romano-British bath-house

Stukeley’s sketch of ‘Anchor-Church House’ and Crowland Abbey, redrawn by Penelope Gresley (1856) inspiring him to produce several sketches, depicting ‘AnchorChurch House’s’ relationship with the other Crowland hermitages and the abbey church.

After the building’s demolition in 1720, Stukeley revisited the site to examine what was left of its foundations. The masonry that he uncovered was from neither Guthlac’s nor Pega’s anchorage, as he proclaimed, but the footings of John of Wisbeche’s fifteenthcentury chapel. Conversely, when the site was about to be plundered for stone in 1866, local surveyor, Anthony Canham, perceive that the last vestiges of

villagetribune.org.uk

or temple), pottery sherds ranging from the Bronze Age until the post-medieval period, part of an eighth-century bone comb, animal bones and eighteenthcentury clay-pipes. They testify to the site’s intermittent habitation from at least 5000BC until the time of the ‘Anchor-Church House’s’ demise, in 1720. These discoveries, coupled with the identification of two BronzeAge barrows in Anchor-Church Field (one actually beneath the ‘chapel’), suggest that the site could have supported the prehistoric burial chamber and Romano-British ‘cistern’ alluded

PEGELAND St Pega’s missing ‘monastery’? begun to outshine that of Guthlac, necessitating action to be taken to discredit her. This partially may have influenced Sigeferth’s choice of dedication for his ‘New Minster’.

(Although the comforting thought having the entire Communion of Saints interceding for his soul’s swift passage through Purgatory inevitably played its part.)

Intriguingly, a late eleventhcentury poem commissioned by Abbot Henry de Longchamp of Crowland (1191-1237) and written

by William d’Avranches, a Norman monk of Ramsey, maintained Stukeley’s sketch of ‘Pega’s’ Crowland cell, that Pega had lived at Crowland redrawn by P. Gresley (1856) as Guthlac’s ‘maid-of-all-work’ Pega left. They included the Lady for several years until the Devil to in Felix’s biography, then impersonated her and tempted Æthelthryth, who retreated there Guthlac’s/Pega’s cell, Turketyl’s in 794 after her father, King Offa of Guthlac to break his oath not to eat depository for secular priests, ‘St Mercia (757-96), had arranged the before sunset. Although he realised Pega of Paylond’s chapel’ and that he had been duped, Guthlac murder of her suitor, Æthelberht finally ‘Anchor-Church House’. still expelled Pega from Crowland, of the East Angles, and the lessHowever, since no artefacts were lest it should happen again. convincing ancient guardians of found to prove beyond doubt that Guthlac’s shrine, Clarenbald (died Consequently, Crowland’s loss was a religious community was based Peakirk’s gain. aged 168), Swarting (142) and there, it is imperative that we Although William d’Avranche’s Turgar (115), who allegedly had compare Pegeland with ritual sites version of events sounds rather survived the Scandinavian raid elsewhere. fanciful, it proves, that despite the of 870/1 and conveniently lived For example, Philip Rahtz’s 870/1 and 1013/4 Scandinavian long enough to tell their tale to 1967 discovery of a Middleinvasions and the Norman Turketyl, c.971. There was also Saxon male (hermit?) burial Conquest, fascination for Pega had Wulfsige the thwarted hermit within a the small timber-famed not waned and her cult survived. of ‘Pegeland’, who found the chapel on Beckery Hill, on the In fact, her feast day continued oblates’ presence too distracting tip of the Glastonbury peninsula to be celebrated on 8 January and decamped to Evesham in [Somerset Levels] a mile to the 1042. All, pseudo-Ingulph implies, at Crowland - throughout the west of Glastonbury Abbey, period when the ‘New Minster at helped to perpetuate Pega’s mirrors Guthlac’s interment in Pegecyrcan’ was dedicated in the memory at Crowland. his Crowland oratory. Folklore honour of the Holy Trinity, the Virgin dictates that Beckery chapel Mary and All Hallows and Pega The importance of being Pega was created by King Arthur in ostensibly had fallen from favour St Mary Magdalene’s honour, No doubt my Peakirk readers in her ‘home’ settlement - until the but reconsecrated in 488 after a will express dismay and disbelief Dissolution of the Monasteries, in visit by St. Brigid of Kildare, who that this article dispels the time1539. left her purse, necklace, bell and honoured myth that ‘Pegeland But, do I still believe that there weaving tools, which became Monastery’ stood within their was an ‘Old Minster’ at Peakirk, objects of veneration. This leads village. Please, take heart! This consecrated in St Pega’s honour, us to wonder if Pega also left revelation demonstrates what a the forerunner to Sigeferth’s church? behind mementoes at ‘Pegeland’, massive and enduring impact this Yes, absolutely! But that’s another on the tip of the Crowland seemingly-insignificant, female story ... peninsula, perpetuating her saint had upon Guthlac’s malememory for centuries after she had dominated Crowland, despite her The Anchor-Church site may be decamped to Peakirk, in 715. devaluation by his biographer, viewed (with caution) from the Pseudo-Ingulph tells us that Felix. Indeed, it is tempting B1166. ‘Peakirk Hermitage’ is Crowland continued to be to speculate that by 1014/5 (if private property.  inhabited by hermits long after not earlier) Pega’s appeal had

villagetribune.org.uk

29

Four sisters joined forces to stage a coffee morning raising money for Thorpe Hall Hospice in memory of their sister Jenny Cannon who died earlier this year.

Sisters are doing it for Thorpe Hall Hospice

V

al Sleight, Sue Downs, Trish Canham and Barbara Wilson, helped by friends, neighbours and family, spent days baking cakes, biscuits and sweet treats to sell alongside cups of tea and coffee.

Within two hours the tables at Northborough Village Hall, in Northborough, near Market Deeping had been cleared and the ladies, who all live in the village had raised a brilliant £900.

Sue said: “Jenny would have loved the coffee morning – she was a big fan of cake with a cup of tea, particularly chocolate cake. She was so chatty and knew

so many people she’d have spent the entire time talking!”

Grandma of four Jenny, who ran Scallywags shop in Market Deeping, spent her final week at Thorpe Hall Hospice, after 18 months of treatment for a brain tumour.

Trish said: “She received such wonderful care we wanted to do something in her memory to say thank you to Thorpe Hall.

We decided a coffee morning was something we could probably organise.

“We were right – we had more than 100 people through the doors!”

The ladies included a raffle and second hand book stall during the event. Along with Jenny’s husband Pat, they have now donated the money raised to Thorpe Hall.

Senior fundraiser Jo Marriott said: “What a lovely way to pay tribute to a much-loved sister.

We’re so grateful to the ladies for supporting us in this way. £900 is a wonderful amount to raise at a coffee morning. That’s the equivalent of paying for a Thorpe Hall nurse for nine days.”

For more information: www.sueryder.org

Maxey resident tours BBC Broadcasting House Maxey resident, Robin Homewood, recently joined a behind the scenes tour of BBC's Broadcasting House in London's West End. by Christopher Wales Asked what he thought of the experience Robin said,"I grew up in the 1950's listening to the wireless so was thrilled to visit the studios where my boyhood favourite programmes were recorded. On top of that I was invited to actually record a dummy radio play as part of the tour.

Seen here is Robin in the foreground with other tour participants in front of real microphones and sound effects. If you would like to be a radio star like Robin please see: www.bbc.co.uk/tours 30

villagetribune.org.uk

New and exciting volunteer roles with Citizens Advice Are you friendly, approachable and empathic, do you have good communication skills and like talking to people and helping them? Are you looking for a volunteer role that will help you back into work? Then this is the role for you. Citizens Advice Peterborough urgently need Volunteer Front of House Worker/Information Assistants. June Campbell, Communications Officer

Purpose of the role To ensure that CAP is a professional, welcoming and accessible place for clients to visit and that clients requirements are facilitated where reasonable.

• To be the first point of contact in welcoming clients, providing information and ensuring clients are dealt with according to agreed CAP systems and protocols.

• To support the key self-help aspect of the service and provide help to those needing assistance to help themselves.

• To provide administrative support for the service by answering the phone, booking appointments when necessary, and managing the queue.

Main duties and responsibilities include: • Welcome clients coming into CAP contact area.

• Explain waiting times and process to clients.

• Provide information about CAP and other advice services to clients from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.

• Work collaboratively with other colleagues involved in the advice work process.

• Provide a service that is based on empathy, sensitivity and respect for clients and colleagues.

• Acknowledge children and / or any special needs [protected characteristics] and take appropriate action.

• Maintain confidentiality about clients issues and their contact with the charity.

• Consult Senior Advice Workers when necessary and appropriate.

• Work within agreed CAP systems, procedures and protocols.

• Answer the telephone and refer calls or take messages accurately.

• Provide client with information where appropriate, including details of other agencies, and point out leaflets / factsheets from the Citizens Advice public website.

• Maintain stocks of stationery, leaflets and posters.

• Update public information materials and information.

• Use IT for record keeping.

We also have various trustee roles including a new Treasurer.

All our vacancies can be found on our website: www.citapeterborough.org.uk All sorts of people volunteer with us and for many different reasons, but one that unites them all is that they find it challenging, rewarding and varied.

Its a chance to make an active difference to people's lives in your community.

villagetribune.org.uk

31

Max Gastro’s

Restaurant Review

The Plough at Greetham Main Street, Greetham Nr Oakham LE15 7NJ 01572 813613

The Plough at Greetham Regular readers will know that over the years writing this review I’ve rarely happened upon an eatery which prettymuch fulfils all the criteria most of us have when we eat out. However competent, there’s nearly always an ‘if only they’d….’ or a ‘it’s nice but..’ moment. Well folks, I may just have found one that’s not a great trek to get to, doesn’t warrant a bank loan, amazes with its food, offers good ales, is run by nice people and has a great atmosphere. How about that then?

Max's STAR Rating 32

A recent Sunday lunch with friends at The Plough in Greetham was a really pleasant experience. A lovely welcome by owner Karen followed by beautifully prepared wellcooked food, expertly served by young and enthusiastic staff.

A quite exceptional 3-course Sunday lunch for £15.95.

Terrific crayfish and smoked salmon starter, sumptuous roast pork main with all the trimmings and vegetable sides and a crème brûlée the French would be proud of. What’s not to like? Go there, but book first as it’s popular now and, given its 95% score of ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ on Tripadvisor, may well be more so soon!

SERVICE

VALUE

villagetribune.org.uk

FOOD

ATMOSPHERE

From the Kitchen of Chez Pierre

askchezpierre@gmail.com

Cassoulet de Saucisses aux Lentilles Ah, bonjour mes amis I hope you are well in your nice village land and not suffering to colds and coughs as I have been during January. All better now, I look at more hearty-type dishes to please your families and friends for the still cold weather and dishes that are so easy to create and will please everyone apart from the vegetarian people who you know.

To explain the photo here I am showing you a wonderful one-pot gourmet dish from Castelnaudary in the south of France, near Toulouse.

French ladies love a well-presented sausage and throughout France housewives can buy the ready-made cassoulet in tins you see here. The food is crafted with the love and expertise of gourmand chefs, to recipes handed down from the generations before. Dear reader this is fast food French-style, but my Chez Pierre dish is the one you must try before you borrow your uncle’s van and tootle off to the Eurotunnel, non? Although the lentils will soak up the savoury flavours the sausages are the main thing here. Naturally I use Toulouse from France but you can buy good in UK. Try your local Grasmere butcher or Italian beauties from The Pasta Shop in Queens Walk, Peterborough. Tell Lucia they are for a sausage cassoulet.

For four diners you will need: 1 tblsp olive oil, 8 Toulouse or butcher’s sausages, 150 g pancetta or smoked streaky bacon, cut into pieces, 2 carrots finely chopped, 1 large onion finely chopped, 2 chopped garlic cloves, 2 celery stalks finely chopped, 2 tblsp tomato purée, 1 tblsp dijon mustard, a large glass of good red wine, 300 g puy lentils, a few thyme sprigs, 500 ml chicken stock, sea salt and ground black pepper 1. Heat the oil in a cassoulet pot over a medium-high heat.

2. Add the sausages and brown them on all sides.

Remove the sausages from the pot and set aside, then add the pancetta or bacon with the carrots, onion and celery and fry until the bacon is sizzling.

Stir through the tomato purée, Dijon mustard and red wine.

Add the lentils, garlic, thyme and stock, season with sea salt and ground black pepper and bring to the boil then turn down to simmer.

3. Cover and cook for 15 minutes then add the sausages to the lentils.

villagetribune.org.uk

4. Cook for a further 10 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Add a splash of water to the pan if it begins to look a little dry before the lentils are cooked.

5. Carry the pot straight to the table and serve on warmed plates with either sautéed or mashing potatoes. Voila!

The humble sausage can be a sophisticated dish for your next dinner party, but don’t buy cheapy ones. A robust red from the same area, Languedoc, is my recommendation for this.

Bon Chance, Pierre x 33

34

villagetribune.org.uk

GET INVOLVED

Become a local councillor It’s local election time. The clerk to Bainton & Ashton Parish Council asks, “When better to decide to represent your local community?”

"I'm a little surprised you got planning permission."

is both a district and a county (ie a unitary) authority.

As a councillor you become the holder of a public office and participate in the collective decision-making of your council.

You are expected to attend every council meeting as this is where most decisions are made and most parishes hold them monthly on a weekday evening. The council’s decisions will mostly be to do with the spending or raising of money (including the precept of local part of the council tax), contributing to consultations (including planning applications) and projects the parish wants to develop on behalf of the community. You are supported by a Parish Clerk who So, what’s involved? is responsible for the finances, Firstly, a local council is the same as minutes of meetings and all the the parish council. The word ‘local’ administration. The normal term is increasingly used to emphasise of office is four years. that, since 1894 civil parish councils have not been connected with the Eligibility church. Your local council is a part To be a local councillor you need, on election day, to be: over 18, a of government and has statutory qualifying EU or Commonwealth powers to do certain things on behalf of you and your community. citizen, and for at least 12 months have owned or tenanted land Some local councils take on more or worked in the council’s area powers than others, depending or lived within three miles of it. on the size of community and the You also need to be and remain work it wishes to take on. A key a registered elector for the role it will play is in representing community you wish to represent. local residents in the next tier You do not need to represent a of government, in this case political party.

Peterborough City Council, which As a registered elector in a community with a parish council (this applies to most of the Village Tribune area), you are asked every four years to elect the people to represent you in this important first tier of government. And with elections in May, there really is no better time to grasp the nettle and stand for council yourself.

This might be something you’ve been considering for a while but managed to put to the back of your mind. Have a quick read and see whether I can persuade you to consider again. Nominations this year need to be in by 4pm on Thursday 7 April, with the election being held on 5 May.

Interested? What to do…

You can obtain nomination papers from the local Returning Officer - email electoralservices@ peterborough.gov.uk, phone 01733 452249 or write to the Electoral Returns Officer, Peterborough City Council, Town Hall, Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1GF. You will need a proposer and a seconder and to sign a form consenting to the nomination. If elected you also need to sign an acceptance of office and be willing to disclose certain information about your financial and business interests.

You will usually need to become a signatory for the council’s financial and other affairs.

If you’re tempted but still not sure, why not have a word with an existing member of your local council, or in confidence with your Parish Clerk.

You can find contact details on parish noticeboards or on your local council website.

You can obtain nomination papers from the local Returning Officer email electoralservices@peterborough.gov.uk The Electoral Commission website gives more information: www.electoralcommission.org.uk villagetribune.org.uk

35

36

villagetribune.org.uk

tight lines Mark Williams

'A worm at one end and a fool at the other' was the way bad-tempered linguist Samuel Johnson described angling, and rather aptly perhaps, as we lurch towards April Fool's Day.

Tickled by trout

F

ools we may be, but on April 1st, we're kidding ourselves we can catch fish; the brown trout fishing opens. If you're a river angler, it's that first chance to unfurl fly lines from reels since October, and 'fling the fluff' at any trout feeling peckish in the frigid spring water. It's tough fishing, and the real fools will be on the river in May, when mayfly make

Elinor is much more approachable than the reservoirs.

It's a gravel pit which has been run as a trout fishery by England International Ed Foster for many years. If you're a novice, it's by far the better bet for your first trout.

In truth, all three lakes will already be in full swing on April 1st, escaping the usual closed season rule by being stocked with

Early season, with a chill in the air, the bank anglers tend to outfish people who've paid extra for a boat. Elinor's not too deep, so you can use a floating line all day.

That said, early season (especially in a wind) and intermediate line and a couple of wet flies or black lures can be deadly. Talk to the manager when you arrive for some great tips, and if you haven't got

the trout seem suicidal as they hurl themselves at the first spring feast, and even dimwits catch trout.

Aside from a lucky few fishing the Upper Welland and perhaps the Gwash, we have little in the way of trout fishing in Tribland.

But not so very far away we have freshwater giants Rutland and Grafham Reservoirs, and just past Oundle, Elinor Trout Fishery.

rainbow trout – a North American species which has long been the put-and-take trout of choice, growing fast in the stewponds where they are raised, and inured to the cold. Elinor stocks fish which are mostly 2lb or so, but has plenty of natural food in its larder, so they grow on to much, much bigger; a ten-pounder is more than possible.

the right fly, the chances are you can buy one from him.

Indeed, if you have no fishing tackle at all, you can still fish at Elinor. The fishery retains two superb tutors who will provide the rods and reels, show you how to use them and, more often than not, ensure you gone home with the freshest trout you could possibly get.

The Elinor website gives you information about this, and a lot more besides. www.elinortf.co.uk

villagetribune.org.uk

37

New Tribland Wards

P

eter said: “Reacting to our City’s successful house-building and growth programme, the Boundary Commission last year determined Peterborough’s ward structure needed refreshing to accommodate the increased population this expansion will precipitate. Glinton Cllr John Holdich and I were particularly apprehensive about the protection of our rural parishes’ identities so, as members of the council’s cross-party steering group, we lobbied hard for our North West Cambs’ villages to remain in rural wards and not sucked into the City area as had been originally proposed for rural Marholm with urban Bretton. We

From the local elections in May this year new wards will be created across the City and rural areas. In Tribland we’ll apparently see a couple of major changes to our rural ward’s boundaries and to find out more we asked long-standing Northborough ward Councillor and regular contributor to the Tribune Peter Hiller to explain ... were successful in our efforts and the Commission’s final submission agreed with most of our original suggestions.

John and I are proud to have been chosen to stand as the Conservative candidates for our new enlarged two councillor ward of Glinton and Castor, and with residents’ support at this May’s elections we hope to be allowed to continue to represent (at Peterborough City Council) the nine villages it will embrace, including the welcome addition of Peakirk from the current Newborough ward. We have both lived in what will be our new ward for many years and are passionate protectors of both ours and our fellow ward residents’ values and

with nearly fifty years of local government experience between us we think we know how to secure the best possible future for us all.

The North West Cambs constituency new rural wards will be Glinton and Castor – to include Ailsworth, Castor, Deeping Gate, Etton, Glinton, Marholm, Maxey, Northborough and Peakirk, Cllr David Over’s Barnack ward will remain largely unchanged and Cllr Diane Lamb is our candidate for the new Wittering ward, which will include the villages of Wittering, Wansford (north of the river), Sutton, Thornhaugh and Upton.”

For further information or to answer any queries Cllr Peter Hiller and Cllr John Holdich OBE may be contacted at glintoncastorward@mail.com or 07769 453439

The Search for Happiness Happiness is something we create in our mind, Not something we search for and so seldom find.

It’s just waking up and beginning the day ...

By counting our blessings and wanting to pray.

It’s giving up thoughts that breed discontent And accepting what comes as a gift heaven-sent.

It’s giving up wishing for things we have not And making the best of whatever we’ve got.

38

villagetribune.org.uk

Valya The wooden house

Luda and Mum

Helpston & District Anton

I

n December, just before Christmas, we travelled over to Belarus to visit the Chernobyl families as well as meeting new children to visit us next summer.

We took with us 150kg of aid all donated by local people: clothing, medical and first aid items, food stuffs, toiletries and toys. As usual the visit was a roller coast ride of emotions from the highs to the lows, from the comedic to the tragic and I arrived home on the Sunday before Christmas absolutely exhausted! To cut a very long story short, I am going to tell you a little about some of our new children and their families, who will benefit this summer from the wonderful generosity of our community.

We visited Luda, her mum and granny, living in a bare wooden home with no running water, two beds and an upright chair. Luda is an intelligent sunny little girl who was thrilled with the clothing and toys that we brought for her.

Her mum lay on a shelf where the Russian oven provided warmth, she is pregnant and unwell. I asked her why they had recently moved to this spartan home, together with her husband and brother. She replied that here they have a fridge, a TV and 2 chairs, the summit of her hopes, so sad.

There was no food in the house other than a few carrots. Thankfully we had large food parcels in the car and were able to leave them

Friends of Chernobyl’s Children

by Cecilia Hammond with a few weeks worth of food.

Later we delivered a comfortable chair for this sick lady to sit on. I can only imagine the relief for her to know that her daughter will receive respite from the radiation, that for the next few weeks she doesn’t have to worry about having sufficient food and to know that the family will now have some care and support from Friends of Chernobyl’s Children.

Anton is another little boy from the same highly contaminated region. He has a lovely smile, he does well at school and likes arts and crafts. He is very excited at the thought of a visit to Helpston. His single mum has lots of difficulties and a worrying relationship with alcohol. This little boy will receive all the love and care and kindness.

Valya lives in an area with huge amounts of radiation; she has a cyst in her brain, which has resulted in poor sight. She is a sweet little girl who lives with her single mum, who works on a dairy farm. They live in an old state house, where everything is worn and falling apart.

Valya’s mum is worried sick about her daughter and has no one to help or support her. She is worried about allowing Valya to come to England and we spoke about the excellent care that she will receive here and the chance to have 4 weeks eating food and breathing air free from radiation. We will put support into the family whether Valya comes to England this

summer or not, but I do hope that she does – we have a lovely host family lined up for her who will give so much support to her mum.

It was fantastic to visit Eigori, who has just finished his visits with the charity. Eigori’s mum died from cancer when he was a baby and his father is in a new relationship.

When we first knew Eigori, he and his brother and sister were living with their grandparents and the whole family was very unstable.

We have been able to put lots of support in and the whole home feels different, they have made some essential repairs to the wooden house, they have built an underground vegetable store where many vegetables grown from English seed are stored, the children have benefitted from all of the clothing and the grandparents feel strong and capable. It is a happy home.

This summer we have 31 children visiting our community, your kindness and generosity changes their lives, it supports their families with essentials, it allows us to send food parcels in the winter, vegetable seeds to grow into food, toothpaste and toothbrushes to look after their teeth, there are few dentists available there and of course, it gives them the opportunity to breath clean air and eat clean food but just as importantly it gives these most deserving and delightful children the most wonderful time.

Donations to assist us are always very, very welcome. Thank you!

E: focc_helpston@msn.com T: 07779 264591. www.justgiving.com Helpstonchernobyl2016

villagetribune.org.uk

39

Found YOU on

Facebook

Lolham Crossing Alastair Peat - Police on the case at Lollum crossing....

Blue flashing lights at 9am this morning caught a Bentley Convertible waiting to cross....

The boys in blue are enforcing it would appear.... Let people know and the illegal use of the road should reduce.....

Maria Webster - About time Peter Hiller - Yes, I agree, it is about time and, once the rozzers appreciate the fertile pickings, they'll make more appearances. Bentleys are blameless by the way - it's their drivers who are the miscreants....

Alastair Peat - I agree but she didn't have a badge on to recognise her with..... ;) Fiona Spires - I passed one getting pulled over at 5.30.

Hoorah!! Lets hope they keep it up.

Tracy Thomas - Police there all day yesterday and lots of blue flashing lights, we estimated about 17 stopped.

Jo Leonard - Finally an issue has been raised regarding a rural railway crossing calledLolham Railway Crossing near Helpston. The road signs have recently been changed (Nov 2015) making the B1443 a No Entry onto the Crossing towards West Deeping. The reason for this was due to traffic stacking up at the crossings because of narrow bridges and congestion as traffic tried to negotiate bridges and 2 railway crossings, 40

leaving traffic stopped on the crossings due to queues causing danger.

Jo Leonard - E-cops email

Kevin Watts - Excellent, the road is still being used on a regular basis from the one way side at night.

Peter Hiller - I agree, excellent news and about time! I hope this is done on a regular rather than one-off basis. Don't forget also this was a temporary traffic order and will be subject to permanent instatement (or not) later this year.

David Over - At last. The police have finally decided to enforce the new road lay out. I wonder why it took six months, three meetings and the Police and Crime panel meeting for action to be considered.

Steve Zealand - Happy to hear that it is a temporary order.

Sarah Walker - Can confirm the police stopped someone today (with a little cheer from me!)

David James - About time.

Neil Watson - If there had been a Police presence just now they could have caught three people at once.....

Adrian Crowson - The one way system needs to run the other way !! This would then ease the traffic that now backs up in the evenings along the Maxey Road. At the end of the day it makes no differance to those coming from north of the crossing, if they sit at Lolham or

villagetribune.org.uk

maxey road crossing.

Steve Zealand - A wrong and unilateral opinion. It makes all the difference to the individual.

The world does not revolve around Helpston. The road should be open both ways allowing individuals to make their own decisions on the route they take.

Adrian Crowson - Not sure why you think that life only revolves around Helpston... you must have your reasons, but surely the traffic that backs up towards that main Glinton road in the evening would be better queing past the fields in the morning on the other side of the crossing at maxey road!

Margaret Baker - I agree, the traffic flow should be reversed.

It must be grim for the houses Helpston side of the Maxey Road crossing.

David Over - Back to Lolham Crossing. It almost looks like motorists have chosen just to ignore the signs. I have contacted PCC and the police countless times. Surrounding parish councils have voiced their concern. What happened?PCC removed the orange fence.

The new police superintendent denied any knowledge and cctv footage has not been used to prosecute anybody. I continue to press for a resolution but I just can't understand people ignoring a No Entry sign. It is totally illegal. There is no excuse about the size of signs

or types. It is very clear. There is also the issue that their car insurance is invalid.

Mark Williams - I'll camp out up there and post a few pics of the guilty parties....

Fiona Spires - Might help if they got rid of the white lines and put correct sign posts in ie on both sides of the road facing the traffic and none facing the other way. That might make it look more official. Don't understand why the job hasn't been done properly from the outset. What is more upsetting is the abuse you get if you say anything!

Steve Zealand - A return to two traffic is still the best solution and it is possible that this is a silent protest. People may well be voting with their feet (wheels). I for one don't blame them but will continue to abide by this ridiculous restriction.

Helen Wheatley - I just don't think the signage is adequate.

The 'road closed ahead' signs look temporary and we all know how those signs get left lying around, and we all know that 'ahead' can mean a huge number of things. Broadwell Road in Helpston has them at the moment, at the entrance, but I still turn in there because I live in Temples Court. I have no idea where the closure starts because it must be past where I want to turn off. Also, at Lolham, coming from the Tallington side, the signs are those that say you have priority over oncoming traffic. Well, if it's one way there shouldn't be any oncoming traffic, so those signs are wrong, and if someone had come that way in the past I think they could

Found YOU on

be forgiven for thinking the 'no entry' the other end was not in force. And the entrance to the road from the Helpston end needs remodelling to make it less convenient for people to turn in there. I am amazed that the Highways Team are allowing this mess to continue.

I'm not convinced it's lawful.

David Over - Out today taking photos for my election.

I thought I would stand at Lolham Crossing. I was nearly run over with cars going north.

Three months ago it was one car every 5 minutes. Today it was five cars every one minute!

Jo Leonard - Finally an issue has been raised regarding a rural railway crossing calledLolham Railway Crossing near Helpston. The road signs have recently been changed (Nov 2015) making the B1443 a No Entry onto the Crossing towards West Deeping. The reason for this was due to traffic stacking up at the crossings because of narrow bridges and congestion as traffic tried to negotiate bridges and 2 railway crossings, leaving traffic stopped on the crossings due to queues causing danger.

Jo Leonard - E-cops email Kevin Watts - Excellent, the road is still being used on a regular basis from the one way side at night.

Peter Hiller - I agree, excellent news and about time! I hope this is done on a regular rather than one-off basis. Don't forget also this was a temporary traffic order and will be subject to permanent instatement (or not) later this year.

David Over - At last. The police have finally decided to

villagetribune.org.uk

enforce the new road lay out. I wonder why it took six months, three meetings and the Police and Crime panel meeting for action to be considered.

Steve Zealand - Happy to hear that it is a temporary order.

Sarah Walker - Can confirm the police stopped someone today (with a little cheer from me!)

David James - About time.

Neil Watson - If there had been a Police presence just now they could have caught three people at once.....

Adrian Crowson - The one way system needs to run the other way !! This would then ease the traffic that now backs up in the evenings along the Maxey Road. At the end of the day it makes no differance to those coming from north of the crossing, if they sit at Lolham or maxey road crossing.

Steve Zealand - A wrong and unilateral opinion. It makes all the difference to the individual.

The world does not revolve around Helpston. The road should be open both ways allowing individuals to make their own decisions on the route they take.

Adrian Crowson - Not sure why you think that life only revolves around Helpston... you must have your reasons, but surely the traffic that backs up towards that main Glinton road in the evening would be better queing past the fields in the morning on the other side of the crossing at maxey road!!

Margaret Baker - I agree, the traffic flow should be reversed.

It must be grim for the houses Helpston side of the Maxey Road crossing.

41

Etton news

Anne Curwen

In memoriam Joan Otley Sadly, Joan Otley, Etton’s oldest resident, died on Friday 8th January aged 98. Joan had a fall at Lavender House on 1st January; she developed a chest infection that did not respond to antibiotics.

Her breathing deteriorated late on the Friday afternoon and she died peacefully a few hours later.

Joan Mary Otley, nee Simpson was born at Corner Cottage, 10 Main Road, Etton on 22nd September 1917 during World War One. Her mother Mary Simpson nee Bean was also born at Corner cottage in October 1873, a twin with Robert. Mary lived until age 106 and her twin to age 100, making them the oldest twins in Britain recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

Joan’s father, John Simpson, died of TB in December 1917 when Joan was only three month’s old.

Joan was educated at Glinton and proved to be an able and intelligent student with an excellent facility for language. She was well read and could still recite

poetry from memory until the end. Joan was sharp and could be sharp but she was a delight to know and a wonderful character.

Joan spent time in service at the Rectory in Etton, and a house in Werrington and also worked at the Naffi at RAF Wittering during the Second World War. She rode a motorbike during this time and was quite an independent woman.

She met and married Bill Otley at Etton church in December 1952.

She was the first cook at Arthur Mellows Village College and worked there until she was expecting her daughter Carole in 1956.

Joan contributed to Etton village performing Churchwarden

duties and cleaning the church.

She delivered the free paper once a week and could be seen on her pushbike around the village well into her 80’s.

Joan loved dogs and owned a King Charles spaniel. She also loved her garden and often could be seen pottering late at night until a fall in September 2013.

Joan lived in the cottage caring for herself until aged 97 when she fell and broke her hip. She was moved to Maxey house and was close to being able to return home when she fell and broke her other hip. She was then moved to Lavender House. Despite our initial worries, Joan settled into institutional life far better than we expected and enjoyed talking to other residents and, when she was well enough, joining in the activities.

This would have surprised her only daughter Carole who sadly died of cancer on 8th October 2013 aged 57.

Her granddaughter Kathy, niece Janet and three great granddaughters survive Joan.

Did you witness this breakin?

In memoriam Ada Smith During January, another Etton resident sadly passed away.

Ada Smith, aged 89, who had lived in Etton for 10 years, died after a short illness. Ada was born in Peckham, London the youngest of 10 children. Ada’s mother died when she was 6 week’s old and she was raised by her grandparents. During the Second World War five of

Ada’s family were killed in the Blitz. Ada worked in London in an office and also in a hospital.

Ada’s partner was from Belgium and worked on the underground.

Ada was widowed two years ago when Michael died suddenly.

Ada struggled to come to terms with her loss and gradually deteriorated. She died in hospital from pneumonia. Our thoughts are with the families involved.

Did anyone see or hear anything suspicious around the Coach House, between Tuesday 26 and Friday 29 January? A silver Audi estate was broken into whilst parked on our drive. A burnt orange handbag containing office keys and some cash was stolen from the boot of the car.

Please contact me if you have any information that you think might be useful.

Volunteers wanted for Queen's 90th Birthday celebrations Etton are planning to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday on Saturday 4 June. The event is probably going to be a street party combined with a commemoration event for the three villagers who lost their lives during WW1.

Further details will be circulated around the village but I am looking for volunteers to help organize the event.

42

villagetribune.org.uk

5 reasons you will love Meadows Dental Care

The mystery of comfortable dentistry solved 1 We offer services that cater for anxious patients 2 Experienced and friendly dentists and support staff 3 Gentle care, up-to-date techniques and finest materials 4 We look after the dental needs of your whole family 5 Our team is committed to continued education & training

Are you ready to experience dentistry that actually leaves you feeling better about your smile ... and your dentist?

Contact Meadow Dental Care on 01733 711019 * Ts & Cs apply. Offer ends 30 April 2016. Offer applies to appointments made with Sherill only.

villagetribune.org.uk

15

% *

OFF

HYGEINE APPOINTMENTS

43

Barnack Test Centre Class IV Mots

Unit 5, Station Road Business Park Barnack, Stamford PE9 3DW

Tel 01780 749271

barnacktestcentre@outlook.com

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 12pm by appointment

44

villagetribune.org.uk

Found YOU on

Facebook

Fly Tipping

Annabel Tighe

Peter Hiller

What is happening to stop this fly tipping? Feels like things are getting worse. This was Heath road this morning.

Janice Caress Kirby

Hi Geoffrey - most, if not all Amey cleared tippings are checked quite thoroughly for evidence of origin.

You might appreciate however acting upon that gathered evidence is sometimes difficult due to it not necessarily being the 'owner' of the rubbish who dumps it. Often this is perpetrated by contractors, jobbing builders and house-clearance folk. I think Margaret's above post is insightful.

It's disgusting, we are getting fed up ringing the council!

Annabel Tighe I know. I have reported it plus another outside Marholm. They were helpful but it's not stopping.

It's getting worse.

Annabel Tighe I really appreciate the comments and insight. I We are in Northborough and phone have recently seen successful at least every fortnight. Disgraceful! prosecutions in Fenland. If anyone ever sees fly tipping happening Margaret Baker we should report it with details I imagine it's virtually impossible and licence plates. Community to prevent. I was told the council statements can be very powerful. monitor the more notorious spots David Over with concealed CCTV now so Janice Caress Kirby

perhaps that's why our rurals are being 'preferred? They have an impossible task really but they do clear it quite quickly I've found.

Geoffrey Nichol

Does the rubbish ever get checked for finger prints, other clues or for evidence of the source?

Janice Caress Kirby I think they look for envelopes with addresses on!

And the pile on Heath Rd gets bigger. I have re-reported it Janice Caress Kirby

More rubbish down Mile Drove to add the the garden waste already there! It is infuriating!

Linda Joyce Smith See the fly tippers about again.

Load of polystyrene dumped on verge between Northborough and Glinton.

villagetribune.org.uk

Janice Caress Kirby Yes, we saw it this morning and reported it. I don't understand why they didn't just put it in the bin, its obvious they have had a new tv! Also a bath has been dumped down Mile Drove!

Emma Watts I saw it when I was walking the dogs and rang it in too Jan. I had boxes that wouldn't fit in the bin today ...the bin men took them, just don't understand the need to dump it,.. When we have a good bin service!! xx Janice Caress Kirby I know Emma, it is infuriating and so unnecessary! What a mess it looks! X Sue Garford Also a wardrobe and mattress dumped at the top of Walderham Hall (on Peakirk Road).

Janice Caress Kirby It's disgusting Sue, has that been reported?

Sue Garford I haven't but Andy is going to photograph it and report Johanna Potter I think you will find it is on the verge as the Police had to moveit off the main road as it was causing a hazard.....so maybe it fell off a truck or trailer? Or maybe not!

Margaret Baker I reported this too.

45

Arthur Brown

Heartfelt appreciation

l people in to the wonderfu ks an th lt tfe ar ss following tend my he pport and kindne su r ei I would like to ex th r fo s ge February. rrounding villa n on Sunday 14 ow Br ur Helpston and su rth A , er h of my fath ing through the sudden deat dad whilst pass

ad, who came across my es of Maxey Ro e ‘runners’ who th k an th to nt Cheryl-Ann Hugh d an . gh ed riv Hu I especially wa ar to d t the ambulance nday morning an da. re for dad whils Helpston that Su se, his wife Bren d helped me ca an e m to e m hers and, of cour ca ot g br tin d ee an m r te ed sis myself, my uch they enjoy much missed by . What entioned how m m 14 20 ve & ha le 13 20 op in pe Dad will be very y pen Gardens garden and man Garden’ feature !) at Helpston O Arthur loved his erful vegetables ‘In My Trib-land e nd th wo e ot his wr g o ein als him (and se ticle that ver is that dad know that the ar not know howe ’. We weren’t to ib most people do Tr t. e las th his of be ue would in each iss t the page opposite en finalized, bu appears on the ral have not be ne fu dad s d d' an da r um fo ey, where m rangements ur Bay in Angles went to press, ar dd ea d.

Tr te to es g qu rin re As the Tribune e Sp ashes – as he aking a trip in th s, to scatter his neighbours and family will be m y family holiday pp and letters from ha s y rd an ca m t d en kin y sp an m e years. th 8 st by d pa me for the much comforte has been their ho We have been ich wh e, lag vil e friends in th Helpston , Maxey Road, Alison Henthorn

46

villagetribune.org.uk

In My Tribland Garden Greetings to all the garden enthusiasts in Tribland. We have had a very mild and wet winter, so far this year. This has led to the early flowering of the spring flowers and blossom on some of the early spring flowering trees and shrubs. As I write this column the weather has started to get a little colder with some frost in early February, let us hope that this will not damage those early flowers.

In my garden I have some very early rhubarb along with daffodils, crocus and grape hyacinths.

This should be a very busy time in the garden but the weather has limited the outside work that needs to be done, digging of vegetable plots, the weeding and preparation of flower beds, mowing the lawns etc. Hopefully the weather in February will be a little drier and we will be able to get on with all the work required.

In the glasshouse the sowing of seeds for sweet peas and early summer flowers and vegetables is now well on its way. The sweet peas, sown in mid – January are now ready to be pricked out into 75 mm pots and the tomatoes will soon be ready for their final pots.

The glasshouse and all the pots, boxes and general equipment used in the glasshouse were all sterilised in early January, prior to any seed sowing taking place.

So the glasshouse work is well in hand.

The indoor bulbs, hyacinths and amaryllis have all flowered well and the hyacinths have been placed in the garden shed ready to be planted out, when the weather settles down. Seed catalogues have all been studied and a few late flowing plants have been ordered. The garden centres are now stocking up with seed

Gardens to visit at this time of the year include; Barnsdale gardens; Anglesey Abbey; or for a longer day out visit the RHS garden at Wisley, Surrey.

villagetribune.org.uk

potatoes, onion sets and various spring and summer plants, be careful to buy only plants that will not be damaged by frost or those that can be kept in a glasshouse.

Work to be done this month; when the weather is suitable finish off all your deep digging; mow the lawns and rake over them to remove all the dead grass and weeds; prepare your flower beds, removing weeds and give a light dusting of good general purpose fertiliser; clean the glass on the outside of the glasshouse; prepare the vegetable plots ready for planting out your early vegetables; prune your rose trees and other flowering shrubs. The RHS website will give you more information on work to do at this time of the year.

Let us hope fo r some better gardening wea ther during the next couple of mon ths, that will all ow us to complete all the jobs we w ould have normally finished at this time of the year, an d get our gard ens ready for the co ming summer.

47

48

villagetribune.org.uk

From Glinton ... to Harley Street It only seems like yesterday and yet such a long time ago that I wrote my previous article for The Village Tribune. Back then, my life as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist was just beginning. My practice was in its infancy and the first small steps were being taken on a road that I couldn’t have anticipated. My years working for N&P seem like a very distant past.

I

t’s taken some time and effort but in the three short years since I qualified as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, it seems that the word is out. People seem to know that I’m here. For some time now, I’ve specialised in helping clients overcome the debilitating effects of high levels of Stress, Anxiety and Depression and my Glinton practice is full. Other than the odd cancellation, the waiting list is usually 4 – 6 weeks ahead.

I find that I’m proud of what I’ve been able to achieve and constantly amazed at the progress clients make. People are far more resilient than it may seem at first sight.

The Quest Institute where I trained has made yet more progress. I was asked to join their evidence-based research team and their pilot study was published in the peer-reviewed journal The Mental Health Review last year. Initial evidence is very encouraging. It’s a first exciting step that takes Cognitive Hypnotherapy out of the realms of Alternative and Complimentary Health and into the mainstream.

More work is needed and I’m grateful to all of my clients who agreed to participate.

Anyway, what do you do when your initial dream is realised and the small local practice you set up

If you’d like to read more about Tony’s move to Harley Street, take a look at his blog: http://tonyburkinshaw.co.uk/anxiety-in-harley-street

is thriving? I wanted to do more but without having to put aside more hours. I thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that it was time to expand. And my thought was that if I was going to expand I might as well do it properly.

So with that in mind, I now run a one day a week clinic in my new rooms at Nº1 Harley Street in London, dealing exclusively with clients suffering Stress, Anxiety or Depression. Clients can still come and work with me in Glinton but this step means I can help a whole new client base. Time will tell.

I’ve given myself a year to create a sustainable practice in Harley Street and there is a lot of work to be done. Whilst it is still early days, interest is gathering and if the past is anything to go by, the future is looking bright.

John Beeken

BRICKLAYER & GENERAL BUILDER

NEW BUILDS EXTENSIONS REPAIRS MAINTENANCE

T: 01733 578 862 M: 0772 794 5973 villagetribune.org.uk

49

Terry Sismore awarded Order National de la Legion d’Honneur Touran Watts, Home Manager

Garden Lodge Residential Care Home in Glinton had the honour of holding a ceremony for one of their residents on Wednesday 10 February 2016 when ninety-one year old Mr Terry Sismore was awarded a medal ‘Order National de la Legion d’Honneur’ for his contribution towards the liberation of France in 1944.

The medal was presented to Terry on behalf of the French Government by the Mayor of Peterborough, with his family, friends, staff at Garden Lodge, Mayoress of Peterborough and fellow members of the Fenland and District Royal Military Police Association also in attendance.

Terry was just twenty years old when he served with the 59th Divisional Provost Company in a motor cyclist traffic control unit and took part in Operation Overlord, landing on Gold Beach in Normandy on the 8th June 1944. On coming ashore Terry immediately found himself under heavy fire from German guns.

Once off the beach it was the role of the Royal Military Police to sustain the all important momentum of many thousands

50

of troops and vehicles as they advanced into France over narrow country roads and bridges whilst a fierce battle raged on both land and in the air. Terry tells staff that he can still remember the sound of fighter aircraft above and the confusion of not knowing whether they were British or German. Terry remained part of the RMP’s vital role in managing the movement of the traffic of war along the lengthening routes behind the Allies as they continued their advance into Germany. Terry remained with the RMP until early 1945 when he became an instructor at the Military Police School in Paderborn in Germany.

At war’s end, General Sir Miles Dempsey who commanded the British Second Army during

villagetribune.org.uk

the Battle for Normandy and then made rapid advances the Northern France and Belgium, paid the following tribute: “The Military Policeman became such a well known figure on every road to the battlefield that his presence became taken for granted. Few soldiers as they hurried over a bridge which was a regular target for the enemy, gave much thought to the man whose duty it was to stand there for hours on end, directing the traffic and ensuring its rapid passage”.

Terry was very excited for this event especially for the Mayor and Mayoresse of Peterborough to be present at this event and also this was going to be the fifth medal he was going to have.

Found YOU on

Facebook I’ve posted a couple of times on the Village Tribune Facebook group page recently about my activity with the Maxey Speedwatch (SW) team and had a number of ‘likes’ and comments about how rural residents would like a similar presence in their own areas/ roads. I thought it might be worthwhile to place this brief article in the Tribune outlining what SW is.

Cllr Peter Hiller – Northborough Ward

Rural Speedwatch: It’s about education

B

reaking the speed limit ‘moments’ range from the occasional driver concentration lapse to a persistent and complete disregard. A well-disciplined local SW team doesn’t go out to penalise and persecute folk driving at 33mph in a 30mph limit.

We try to provide a timely reminder to drivers speeding at 36mph or above along that road and, from experience, some having braked from 50mph (because they’ve seen us) a few seconds before! Our own local team is coordinated and managed by Maxey parish councillor and Neighbourhood Watch stalwart Dick Wilkins and we share our Cambridgeshire Police owned equipment with

Southorpe, to reduce cost. The teams can be created either through parish councils or from conscientious residents and have brief statutory training to conduct the sessions properly.

An operational SW team is a minimum of three people at any one time and a prescriptive procedure has to be followed regarding the data capture of a speeding vehicle’s speed and identification for the police to be able to use it. That said, it’s a relatively straightforward common - sense routine and the calibrated equipment (seen here with me and Maxey SW member Jane Wilkins) is quite easy to set-up and use. I might mention there is a very limited pool of police-owned equipment, but it can be purchased and

the cost can (and should) be shared amongst various groups/ parishes/areas for practicality and long term effectiveness over a wider area. Where and when you decide to monitor traffic is up to the team, and sessions are carried out at risk-assessed locations where speeding is of specific concern to the community.

To be quite clear – this isn’t a permanent fixed ‘speed camera’ type operation, rather an occasional but very effective way of making a point to speeding motorists that they are being recorded and reported to the police. The police do take actions with drivers thereafter, the severity being dependent upon the number of occasions that the vehicle has been brought to their attention.

Useful contacts for further information:

Dick Wilkins (Maxey parish councillor and Speedwatch coordinator) Dick is happy to give advice on group set-up and training. E: raww52@outlook.com Brian Robins (Cambs Police Speedwatch coordinator – training/equipt etc) Brian can advise and conduct training on data capture, group activity and equipment use. E:brian.robins@cambs.pnn.police.uk Cllr Peter Hiller – Northborough Ward E: peter.hiller@peterborough.gov.uk

villagetribune.org.uk

51

There can be no doubt of the pressure that the countryside around is under. Whether it is the demand for more homes or the requirements for minerals extraction our area is the focus of a lot of development at the moment – with the prospect of much more to come.

Richard Astle

T

MAKING A LAN

he Langdyke Countryside Trust was set up in 1999 with the aim of enhancing our local countryside and helping local people understand the natural world around them. As such we have always taken a proactive approach, rather than waiting for things to happen. Over the last 17 years, the Trust has established a network of five local nature reserves and has – through the hard work of its members – transformed the landfill site at Swaddywell Pit into a major habitat for wild orchids and rare insects; turned Torpel Manor Field from a pony paddock into

a nationally acclaimed heritage site and created a completely new nature reserve on the gravel workings at Etton-Maxey Pits.

For 2016 we have launched an initiative designed to have a lasting impact on the wider countryside around us and also to link local people yet more closely to the landscape. We have initiated an oak planting scheme, with each tree dedicated to a person or event, as commissioned by local people.

Among the most significant and beautiful heritage sights around us are the large, mature oaks that stand in the fields and

hedgerows, many dating back at least 500 years. These great giant trees are part of our history and hopefully of our future. Of our native trees, they are claimed to host the greatest number of other natural species. But there aren’t many young trees growing up to take their place in the centuries to come. So we are working with local landowners to encourage them to consider planting oak trees on their land as part of a project to ensure that the oak remains a local landscape feature.

Our aim is to see at least 50 oaks planted across the area over the next 5 years and we are

If you are interested in ‘sponsoring an oak’ and leaving a lasting and fitting mark on the local landscape or if you are a landowner and would like to be involved in the planting scheme – please get in touch ...

52

villagetribune.org.uk

NDSCAPE starting by planting some ourselves. In January we planted 3 new oak trees on our Swaddywell Pit reserve. And in a great example of how we can link landscape and people, these trees are all dedicated to individuals as part of a commission from the John Clare Society. One commemorates the retirement of Dr Ronald Blythe, who has been the society's President since inception in 1981. The other two trees are in recognition of Edmund Blunden's pioneering work on John Clare (his plaque is on the John Clare Cottage) and finally a tree for John Clare himself.

We have another six trees that we want to plant on our reserves over the next twelve months and would happily dedicate these to local people or families as well.

E: richard@athene-communications.co.uk

LCT Oak Tree Planting at Swaddywell Peter Leverington LCT Secretary Three oak trees have recently been planted at Swaddywell

by Langdyke Countryside Trust's working party volunteers.

The trees were commissioned by the John Clare Society to commemorate the retirement of Doctor Ronald Blythe, who has been the society's President since inception in 1981. He has always attended the Clare Festival in July and his Presidential addresses will be most definitely missed. The other

villagetribune.org.uk

two trees are in recognition of Edmund Blunden's pioneering work on John Clare (his plaque is on the John Clare Cottage) and finally a tree for John Clare himself. Blunden's daughter Margi Blunden is the key note speaker at this year's John Clare Festival in July.

The three trees commissioned by the Clare society are part of the Langdyke Countryside Trust community oak tree planting project.

53

Job Vacancy

Found YOU on

Facebook Gigaclear

Cecilia Hammond What on earth are Gigaclear doing to Helpston. The pavements are downright dangerous and we could barely get in and out of Golden Drop.

Surely to leave everything so unsafe, can't be legal and must contravene Health and Safety?

Paul Venters Gigaclear once again.

You've destroyed the paths, but any chance of coming back and clearing the mess up??

The now destroyed path was once grey I believe. Don't get me started on the mess they've made of the slate, trying to find an email address is difficult.

Geoffrey Nichol Traffic chaos in Helpston all the 4 way temporary traffic lights are stuck on red!

Yvette Stewart at Helpston shop/Post office 20-30 hours a week, apply with a cv and contact details CRB checked need someone asap!

Character is how yo u treat those who can do nothing for you.

Housing Developments Trevor Harvey

Just wondered who benefits from the latest housing development in Broadwheel rd. Its not the local youngsters needing somewhere to live, most could not afford the garage, its not local residents, increased

traffic, noise, pollution. I suppose that leaves the developers and the original land owners.

Its strange what criteria the Peterborough Planning authority uses in passing planning applications!

Broadwheel Rd has increasingly suffered from additional traffic especially during peaks times. Over the last few weeks, thanks to the housing development, it has got much worse with extremely large lorries delivering materials and

machines. And then a dramatic improvement they shut the road and only local traffic can gain access. Back to how it used to be, a safe and quiet single lane road designed for local traffic and tractors only, I just wish it could be permanent.

Angela Gee Been today it’s all very close together all looked over and no parking for the price of the houses although if you don’t mind this they are lovely houses.

Roslyn Sowinski I agree it’s so quiet. It seems to me that a lot of people use this road as a cut through. I am very concerned that when the new development has finished it will be even worse. I think the way forward would be to put some traffic calming in place.

JT Fencing - Northborough All types of fencing supplied and fixed.

FREE estimates and advice.

T: 07711 726 834 (days) 01733 253 438 (evenings) 54

villagetribune.org.uk

Found YOU on

Alastair Peat "Daddy - you are famous" said Annabelle opening the Stamford Mercury ... err no.... but still witing for the BBC to call :o)

Award

Alfresco Landscapting Ltd, based in Helpston, has been recognised for their outstanding work, winning "Installer of the Year' at the 2016 national Bradstone Assured Awards.

Alfresco was also highly commended in the 'Best Garden Transformation' category.

Alastair Peat, director of Alfresco Landscaping, was presented the award by host and TV personality, David Domoney, and Bradstone’s commercial director, Toby StuartJervis, at the awards ceremony held at The Manor Hotel Meriden on Friday 22 January. source: Stamford Mercury

Nine Bridges Peter Hiller For the Nine Bridges prosecution, I attended Peterborough Magistrates Court this morning and was informed the case in respect of the prosecution of Patrick O’Connor for breach of enforcement notice has been adjourned to 10am on 16th March. I shall be there again to report.

The defendant's agent apparently contacted the court to request an adjournment due

Facebook er David Ov good Daffs were in Ufford

Host needed Cecilia Hammond

Could you help the Chernobyl Children this summer by hosting our interpreter? Ira is a teacher who speaks excellent English.

She is a really lovely girl who makes an easy guest. She will be out with the children every week day and will return to the family for the evening and at weekends.

The dates are either 25 June to 9 July or 9 July to 23 July.

Without a host the Chernobyl visit can't take place so this is really important. Many thanks.

The Bluebell

Throwback to a ThrowbackThursday!

Thanks again Clare Wordsworth for letting us have this photo.

What's your earliest memory of the Bluebell Helpston?

Be sure to give us a call on 01733 252 394

Reflect on your blessing s, of which most people have plenty and not on your misfo rtunes, of which everyone has some.

(Charles Dickens) to the unforeseen personal circumstances of the defendant – a member of his immediate family being hospitalised.

Obviously very frustrating but any request for an adjournment is made to the legal advisor to the court and it is a matter for the court whether to grant such a request, which they did in this case - nothing PCC could do I'm afraid.

villagetribune.org.uk

55

Servic

March Services

6 March Mothering Sunday

Sunday 13 March

Sunday 20 March Palm Sunday

All Saints Wittering

11.00am First Sunday Fun (Messy Church)

NO SERVICE

4.30pm Afternoon Tea Service

9.00am Parish Communion

St. Mary Bainton

4.30pm BCP Evensong

9.00am Parish Communion

4.30pm BCP Evensong

9.00am Parish Communion

St. Botolph Helpston

10.45am All Age Praise

10.45am Parish Communion with Children’s Church

10.45am All Age Communion

St.John the Baptist Barnack

9.00am Parish Communion with Children’s Church

9.00am Parish Communion with Children’s Church

9.00am Parish Communion with Children’s Church

Good Friday 25 March

2.00 pm Walk across the fields to Ashton looking out for items associated with Christ's journey to his death.

27 March Easter Sunday

10.45am Parish Communion

6.30am Dawn Service on the Hills and Holes 10.30am Parish Communion 6.00pm Informal Easter Praise

CHURCH ADDRESSES: St Mary’s, Church Lane, Bainton PE9 3AF | St John the Baptist, Main Street, Barna 56

villagetribune.org.uk

ces

Coffee Mornings St Botolph Church, He lpston Saturday 26

March - Easter Saturd ay (come and join us for Ho t Cross Buns and treats) Saturday 23 April - 10a m to 12 noon St George's Day (and Sha kespeare's Birthday) Come and catch up wit h friends

April Services

Sunday 3 April

Sunday 10 April

Sunday 17 April

24 April

All Saints Wittering

11.00am First Sunday Fun (Messy Church)

NO SERVICE

4.30pm Afternoon Tea Service

9.00am Parish Communion

St. Mary Bainton

6.00pm BCP Evensong

9.00am Parish Communion

6.00pm BCP Evensong

9.00am Parish Communion

St. Botolph Helpston

10.45 All Age Praise

10.45am Parish Communion

10.45am All Age Communion with Children’s Church

10.45am Parish Communion with Children’s Church 6.00pm Informal Prayer and Praise

St. John the Baptist Barnack

9.00am All Age Parish Communion

9.00am Parish Communion

9.00am Parish Communion with Children’s Church

11.00am All Age Worship

NB: This assumes that Children’s Church will not resume until 17 April as 3rd and 10th are school holidays Services in Holy Week

Mon 21, Tues 22, Wed 23 March

Bainton Church

A short meditative Service 6.50 – 7.15pm

Maundy Thursday

Barnack Church and in Botolph’s Barn

Service at 7.30pm in. Followed in Barnack by the watch of the Passion and ending with Compline.

St Botolph Helpston

7.30pm Holy Communion The Barn Church Lane

ack PE9 3DN | St Botolph, Church St., Helpston PE6 7DT | All Saints Church, Church Road, Wittering. PE8 6AF

villagetribune.org.uk

57

Planning applications made for our villages

Ufford

For construction of ground floor front extension and first floor side extension; erection of new detached double garage with store; alterations to the ground floor front elevation fenestration; and extension/realignment of driveway and creation of additional vehicular access at The Old Stable Main Street Ufford Stamford Decision: Permitted

Helpston

Two storey side and first floor rear extensions at 93 Glinton Road Helpston Peterborough PE6 7DG Awaiting decision Ash - Fell at Land Adjacent No. 11 Crossberry Way Helpston Peterborough Decision: Permitted Construction of single storey rear extension and detached double garage, demolition of existing garage at The Chestnuts 121 West Street Helpston Awaiting decision

For Installation of ground mounted solar PV array resubmission at Ufford Farm Main Street Ufford Awaiting decision Erection of 1x 4 bed dwelling at North Lodge Main Street Ufford Stamford Awaiting decision For 2 no Birch - Remove basal growth/epicormic shoots at Verge To Front Of Village Hall Main Street Decision: Permitted

Barnack

For two storey side and single storey rear extensions and front porch at 19 Bainton Road, Barnack Awaiting decision

Bainton & Ashton

Construction of single storey rear extension and detached double garage, demolition of existing garage at The Chestnuts 121 West Street Helpston Awaiting decision For Alterations and extension to dwelling at 29 Maxey Road Helpston Peterborough PE6 7DP Awaiting decision

Etton

For Stone porch of front of property at 12 Main Road Etton Peterborough PE6 7DA Decision: Not Required

For two storey side and single storey rear extensions and front porch at 19 Bainton Road Barnack Stamford Awaiting decision

Justice and peace Two years ago a benefice Lent course examined the subject of persecution of the Christian church in our own time. It took as its theme the well known observation that more Christians were martyred for their faith in the 20th century than in all the preceding 19 centuries put to-gether, with the further observation that the situation is not improving in our own.

At that time the likes of Boko Haram, Al Shabab and even ISIS

John Tanner

were scarcely known so in an effort to raise awareness this column has featured a series of articles on the topic. Horrors have since grown to such an extent that the subject is daily in the news and awareness is arising rapidly to the extent that it is felt there is no longer the same need to take up space in this busy magazine.

Especially recommended at this time is a book entitled City of Thorns by Ben Rawlence, published

by Macmillan and available on Amazon.

It is an account of life in a refugee camp, "the size of Bristol", on the Kenya Somalia border. The inmates, evidently sustained by a sense of humour, have given it the nickname "Bosnia". The work was recently read on BBC Radio 4 as their book of the week.

Anyone wishing to read specialist literature on the subject can find a pack in Bainton church.

Or you could obtain further literature from the following specialist charities: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, PO BOX 99, New Malden, Surrey, KT13 3YF. T: 0845 456 5464 www.csw.org.uk Open Doors, PO BOX 6, Witney, OX 29 6 WG. T: 01993 460015 www.opendoorsuk.org.

Barnabas Fund, 9 Priory Row, Coventry, CV1 5EX T: 024 7623 1923 www.barnabasfund.org 58

villagetribune.org.uk

We will never forget

In Memoriam

P

riva 10th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment died on April 6th, 1916 aged 28. He had been paralysed after sustaining serious gunshot wounds to the spine and subsequently died of his wounds in the military hospital at Etaples.

The Stamford Mercury reported his death as follows; Beside a pine forest in a military cemetery a short distance from the battlefield has been laid to rest the body of another brave Barnack soldier who has given his life in the war.

The peaceful burial ground is at Etaples within sound of the sea

Pte Henry Percival Dawson

waves that wash our coast and that of France.

Percy was the son of James and Hester Dawson of Barnack.

Before the war he worked as an engineer at Blackstone’s, Stamford.

Private George Snarrt 7th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment was killed on April 21st, 1916 aged 23 at Armentières. He is buried at the Cité Bonjean Military Cemetery there. The Stamford Mercury reported; On April 27th his parents received intelligence from a comrade that their son, George Snartt of Southorpe, had died

in France from a rifle shot by a German sniper.

Private Horace Frederick Bloodworth 1st/4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment died on April 25th, 1916 aged 18. The Stamford Mercury carried the following; Mr. and Mrs. F.Bloodworth of Ufford, have received official notification that their son, Private Frederick Bloodworth, has died of disease in a hospital in France.

Much sympathy is felt for the parents as another son, Jack, was killed in action early in the war. Both brothers were Barnack school boys.

Helpston From the records available to us in Helpston, we believe the village again had some respite from the great losses other places were experiencing. Present knowledge indicates no man lost his life during these months a hundred years ago. (i.e. no deaths in March and April 1916) Royal British Legion, Barnack Branch, Poppy Appeal (Nov 2015) I can now confirm that this year’s collection totalled £6,007.58. This was somewhat short of last year’s record total of £6,500, which was raised just after the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WW1, when there was fulsome press coverage of the event.

Nonetheless, this year’s total is very gratifying because it indicates The Royal British Legion is well respected by the British public, for it’s good work among ex-service people and their families.

I am sincerely grateful to all those who allowed me to place collection boxes in their business premises and to my

stalwart group of house to house collectors. I am clearly not alone in regarding it as a privilege to help.

At the Menin Gate at Ypres, on Armistice Day about seven years ago, with my teenage daughter, we were informed by the Master of Ceremonies that this was the 27,200th time that The Last Post had been sounded at that place. He said that visitors often referred to this event as a remarkable effort on the part of the Belgian people, but his answer was that it was” the least that the Belgians could do”. How very gracious of him!

villagetribune.org.uk

Our Barnack Branch has over 100 members, many of whom have been in our armed services.

We have lectures, we make visits and we have social events and summer and winter dinners.

We will welcome anyone in our Branch Area who would like to become a member of the Royal British Legion and join our Branch.

Membership presently costs £16 a year.

Columb Hanna Poppy Appeal Collections Coordinator

59

Bainton & Ashton Parish Council

The most recent council meeting was held on 5 January. Discussed at the meeting and updated since:

 Police, crime and traffic: a) No crime incidents have been reported. People continue to ignore the northbound closure of King Street through Lolham Bridges railway crossings and Ward Councillor David Over is working hard to get the restriction enforced.

Attention was brought to poor safety signage and road surfaces on the approaches to the village, as well as speeding, particularly in the case of motorcyclists. Please, slow down! b) Superintendent Melanie Dales, Area Commander of Peterborough Police, addressed the meeting to answer questions about changing police priorities and concerns about rural policing

 Planning: There were no planning applications to be considered. Since the meeting public consultation has begun on the Peterborough Local Plan, which looks ahead to 2030.  Village maintenance: a) Despite repeated requests to the City Council and landowners, overhanging foliage continues to be a safety problem along the Barnack Road footpath and obscuring road signs. Councillors agreed to book a contractor to deal with this straightaway and liaise separately with the City Council over cost. b) Similarly, some of the interim reinstatement by Gigaclear was identified as being unsafe. A formal complaint is being made for this to

be resolved immediately. c) And, thanks to a sharp-eyed resident spotting a leak, Anglian Water have spent 5 days over New Year, tracing back and replacing 50 feet of old asbestos sewage pipe.

Good to have that one fixed!  Project update: A public access defibrillator has now been ordered for the village, following the generous donation towards the cost from a resident last year. With permission granted for installation at the Reading Room, it is hoped that the equipment will be in place and ready for use by Easter. It was agreed to apply for funding for a second defibrillator to be installed at Ashton.

Full minutes of each meeting and councillor contact details can be found on village notice boards and any comments can be sent to the Parish Clerk via the council’s post box at the rear of Bainton Reading Room (PE9 3AE) or by email to bainton.ashton.clerk@live.co.uk. The next Parish Council meeting will be held in Bainton Reading Room on Tuesday 1 March 2016 at 7.30pm. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Ufford Parish Council At the meeting on 12 January councillors welcomed Chief Inspector Robin Sissons, from Safer Peterborough Partnership, who gave a talk about current pressures on policing and initiatives being introduced to improve the service within the resources available. Two initiatives are aimed particularly to support rural areas.

A planning application for Newe House, Main Street was considered as a result of the council being consulted for the third time on the owner’s plans. After lengthy discussion, councillors submitted comments requesting the case to be referred to committee.

At the 10 February meeting, planning applications were considered for:  A solar panel array at Ufford Farm (re-submission). Councillors received comments from the

owner of Ufford Hall and separately agreed comments objecting to the proposal.  The building of a house on the property of North Lodge.

Given changes following an earlier application on this site, councillors were able to submit comments approving the plans Updates on an outstanding matter confirmed that an enforcement order had been issued by Peterborough City Council for the dismantling of a skate-ramp at a village property with removal expected by midFebruary.

During January, public consultation was launched on the draft Peterborough Local Plan, looking ahead to 2030. Residents are encouraged to contribute views at www.peterborough.gov.uk and this phase of the consultation ends on 25 February. Councillors have

agreed comments to be submitted on behalf of Ufford parish; these can be viewed on the parish council website.

Councillors have approved the submission of a new funding application, to the Augean Community Fund, for playground equipment. This comes after an application to the Mick George Fund was refused due to oversubscription. The council also thanked Ward Councillor David Over for drawing down an amount to fund a safety gate at the playing field and noted an impressive total of £288 raised by Christmas activities.

A donation was approved to Ufford Cricket Club, of £250 to fund the annual cost of cricket balls, in recognition of the club’s promotion of youth activities in the parish.

Full minutes of meetings and councillor contact details can be found on village notice boards and the website www.uffordparishcouncil.org.uk or by contacting the Parish Clerk at uffordparishclerk@live.co.uk. The next meeting will be held at Ufford Village Hall on Tuesday 8 March at 7.30pm . Residents are encouraged to attend.

60

villagetribune.org.uk

Barnack Parish Council

Robin Morrison

Summary of a meeting held in The Village Hall, Barnack, on Monday 8 February at 7pm.  Open Forum – for the Clerk to address issues raised by Residents.

Lolham crossing - vehicles are driving wrong way, Weight Limit signs are confusing, one-way signage insufficient. Police are going to monitor vehicles and impose fines.  Outstanding Items. a) A1 dangerous junction at Barnack Drift. It was agreed to write and point out that construction of the Solar Farm on land to south of Wittering Ford Road, will have an impact on this junction. b) Chapel Lane/Glebe Woodland.

It was agreed that Harry Brassey would continue to investigate the viability of the Parish Council undertaking management of the woodland. c) ‘No Exit’ sign on Canon Drive, near entrance to Owen Close.

Matter has been reported to the City Council and an answer is awaited.  Planning. a) Local Plan. Response to consultation was agreed.

b) 15/01918/HHFUL, 1 Allerton Close, Building Extension and altered vehicular access. No objections. c) 15/01840/OUT, Land to west of Uffington Road, Planning Committee hearing. It was noted that, the next possible date it could be considered would be 23rd Feb 2016. (The later Committee dates are 8th March, 22nd March, 12th April and 26 April) All the Planning Committee meetings are held in the Town Hall in the Bourges/ Viersen Rooms, and they start at 1.30pm. d) 14/02183/FUL, Installation of Solar Farm, Land to South of Wittering Ford Road. Permitted.  Reports. a) Traffic Calming. A survey conducted by 2020 Consultancy has been received and will be circulated to Councillors and the Traffic Calming Working Group for consideration. b) Police. Parish PCSO, paid by parishes. It was agreed not to pursue the offer of paying for a

PCSO to visit the Village in their overtime.  Village Matters - for the Clerk to address issues raised by Councillors.

Tree on left side of Church tower needs trimming.  Other Items a) Clerk’s replacement: recruitment. It was agreed to hold a meeting of the Employment Working Group at 7pm on 15/02/16. b) Mowing Contract for 2016. It was agreed to re-appointment the Elwood Brothers. c) Parish Council Elections, Guidance for Candidates. Noted. d) Inspection regime for trees and burial grounds. It was agreed to contact Peter Glassey regarding trees inspection and the Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management for guidance on inspection of burial grounds.  Date and time of next meeting.

Monday 14 March 2016 at 7.00pm.

You may read the full minutes at: www.barnackparishcouncil.org/parish council/minutes of meetings or by visiting notice boards outside the Post Office, Village Hall, Pilsgate Bus Stop & the Limes Or contacting the Clerk T: 07944 054546 E: barnackparishcouncil@outlook.com We now have a FACEBOOK page – Barnack Village – why not visit and post your news and views

R S Stimson

Domestic heating systems, cookers, showers, & bathrooms installed.

Gas appliance servicing, & repair, landlords gas safety certificates issued.

13 Ashburn Close Glinton Peterborough PE6 7LH

Tel/Fax 01733 252418

Mobile 07751446433 Email richardstimson@hotmail.com

villagetribune.org.uk

61

Based in Helpston

62

villagetribune.org.uk

west

Mike Sandeman Richard Hardy John Wreford Graham Fletcher Richard Harris Nicola Clough Wendy Jackson Helen Watts Catherine Franks Graham Dunn Julie Stanton Phil Collins Neil Fowkes John Ward David Laycock Roy Chowings Ted Murray Elaine Ward Debbie Martin Jill Unsworth Harry Brassey Margaret Palmer Eddie Barker Phil Broughton Ivor Crowson David Laycock Martin Bloom Robin Morrison David Over Adrienne Collins Kerrie Garner Rachel Wright Kate Hinchliff Max Sawyer

Tony Henthorn Cecilia Hammond

AMVC Head Bainton Church Churchwarden Bainton Church Churchwarden Bainton Parish Council Chair Bainton Parish Council Vice Chair Bainton Parish Council Bainton Parish Council Bainton Parish Council Bainton Parish Council Clerk Barnack Baptist Church Barnack Baptist Church Barnack Bowls Club Barnack C of E Primary School Barnack Church Churchwarden Barnack Church Churchwarden Barnack Community Association Barnack Community Choir Barnack Darby & Joan Club Barnack Horticultural Show Barnack Methodist News Chairman Barnack Parish Council Vice Chair Barnack Parish Council Barnack Parish Council Barnack Parish Council Barnack Parish Council Barnack Parish Council Barnack Parish Council Clerk - Barnack Parish Council Barnack Ward Councillor Barnack Village Hall Bookings Barnack Youth Club Benefice Administrator Botolph’s Barn - Helpston British Legion Citizens Advice Deepings Practice (main line) (Appointments only) Delaine Bus Services Editor Tribune Friends of Chernobyl’s Children

01733 252235 01780 740505 01780 740362 01780 740034 01780 740886 01780 740043 01780 749154 07719 134858 01780 765984 01780 749198 01780 749123 01780 740124 01780 740265 01780 740016 01780 740267 01780 740755 01780 740114 01780 756012 01780 740048 01780 740456 01780 740115 01780 740988 01780 740427 01780 740379 01780 740430 01780 740267 01780 740966 07944 054546 01733 755939 01780 740124 01780 740118 07425 144998 01733 253192 01780 765507 0870 1264024 01778 579000 01778 579001 01778 422866 07590 750128 07779 264591

DIRECTORY

Glinton Surgery Morag Sweeney Helpston Brownies Carol Jones Helpston Church Treasurer David Packer Helpston Lawn Tennis Club Sarah Owen Helpston Cub Scouts Joe Dobson Helpston Parish Council (Chair) Sydney Smith Helpston Parish Council (Clerk) Rosemary Morton Helpston Parish Council (Vice) Kirsty Prouse Helpston Playhouse pre-school Roz Sowinski Helpston Playhouse Before and

After School Club Margaret Brown Helpston Rainbows Nick Drewett Helpston Scouts Caryn Thompson Helpston Village Hall Bookings Pat Jackson Helpston WI (President) June Dobson Helpston WI (Secretary) Rachel Simmons John Clare Primary Head Richard Astle Langdyke Countryside Trust Mary Gowers Lay Pastoral Minister, St. Mary’s

Church, Bainton Karen Dunn Little Lambs Craig Kendall P’cum G’ Primary Head Maureen Meade Peterborough Adult Learning John Holdich OBE Peterborough City Council

Peterborough City Council

Peterborough City Hospital Lorraine Moore (PCSO) Police - emergency calls

Less urgent crimes

Power Failure Dave Maylor Priest in Charge Al Good Rotary Club

Samaritans

Train Services Susan Jarman Ufford Art Society Keith Lievesley Ufford Parish Council Chairman Marian Browne Ufford Parish Council Frieda Gosling Ufford Parish Council Peter Grist Ufford Parish Council Catherine Franks Ufford Parish Council Clerk

villagetribune.org.uk

01733 252246 01733 252088 01733 252096 07766 600694 01733 897065 01733 252192 01733 252903 01733 252243 01733 253243 01733 253243 01733 685806 01778 348107 01733 252232 01733 252227 01733 252192 01733 252332 01733 252376 01780 740097 01780 749198 01733 252361 01733 761361 01733 253078 01733 747474 01733 678000 999 101 0800 7838838 01780 740234 01733 252064 08457 909090 0845 7484950 01780 740104 01780 740679 01780 740062 01780 740343 01780 740973 01780 765984

63

64

villagetribune.org.uk